Savory Chive French Toast
My new breakfast staple inspired by one of my favorite Thai dishes
There is an incredible Thai spot in my neighborhood that has become my go-to for takeout. Their menu is extensive, with all of the familiar classics, along with a whole section called “Secret Grandma Recipes.” At this point I’ve probably eaten through the whole menu but one of my can’t miss favorites is the Gui Chai Tod—a steamed, then deep-fried chive pancake made with tapioca starch and rice flour. It’s served in little bite-sized triangles with a sweet, vinegary soy sauce… irresistible.
Last week, I found some incredible garlic chives at the Union Square Farmer’s Market at my favorite stand, Lani’s Farm. My mind immediately went to trying to recreate some version of this—though I knew I wanted to keep it simple. No steaming, no deep frying. Thus, I landed on this savory French toast. The market was also filled with spring vegetables galore, so I added a chopped vegetable sauté to adorn these decadent toasts.
The only slightly tricky part of this recipe is that the chives don’t immediately adhere to the battered bread. But luckily, I found it very easy to simply spread them on with a slotted spoon before cooking in the pan.
