Butter-Braised Spring Onions with Lots of Chives
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
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.
In this article:
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
How to make Butter-Braised Spring Onions with Lots of Chives
Back to contentsLay 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

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

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