Skip to main content

Butter-Braised Spring Onions with Lots of Chives

These butter-braised spring onions offer a sophisticated twist on a humble vegetable, transforming them into a melt-in-the-mouth side dish. By simmering the onions in a gentle emulsion of butter and water, the natural sweetness of the bulbs is enhanced while the greens become silky and tender. It is a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal produce when spring onions are at their thickest and most flavourful.

This vegetarian dish is an excellent accompaniment to a traditional roast or served alongside poached fish and new potatoes. The addition of fresh chives at the end provides a bright, peppery contrast to the rich, glossy sauce. Simple to prepare yet elegantly presented, it is a versatile recipe that brings a touch of restaurant-style cooking to your midweek meals.

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Butter-Braised Spring Onions with Lots of Chives

  • 8 spring onions (about 450g ), root ends trimmed

  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided

  • Kosher salt

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Lay onions in a large skillet, trimming top of dark greens to fit. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 120ml water to skillet; season with salt. Bring to a boil; cover. Reduce heat and simmer onions until greens are soft and bulbs are almost tender, 15-20 minutes. Uncover and cook, turning onions occasionally, until bulbs are completely tender, 5-8 minutes longer.

Transfer onions to a plate. Simmer cooking liquid in skillet until reduced to 2 tablespoons , about 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Return onions to skillet and turn to coat with sauce. Top with chives.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.