Caramelized Leeks Over Noodles Recipes

CARAMELIZED LEEKS BRAISED IN A WINE AND THYME BUTTER SAUCE

Steps:

• Trim the leeks by removing the outer layer and most of the dark green tops. You should be left with only the white and light green parts. Halve them lengthwise, making sure to leave the root end intact. Place the trimmed leeks in a large bowl of cold water and swish them around to remove the grit and dirt from the many layers. (Leave the leeks in the water for a few minutes - this will loosen up the dirt). Remove the leeks from the water and drain them on a kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Place a 12" non-stick skillet over medium heat (the skillet should have a lid which you will need later.) When the skillet is hot, add two tablespoons of butter and when the butter melts, sprinkle the sugar, ¼ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper evenly over the bottom of the skillet. Next, add the leeks, cut side down in a single layer. Cook the leeks until they become golden brown and caramelized. This will take 5-6 minutes depending on the heat and the kind of skillet you are using.
• To the skillet, add the wine, broth, fresh thyme sprigs and some salt & pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, carefully turning them once or twice (this step is not absolutely necessary). The leeks are done when they can be pierced easily with a knife. If they need a longer time braising or if your liquid has evaporated, add some more wine and broth.
• Remove the leeks from the skillet and place on a serving dish. Cover them to keep them warm. Simmer the remaining liquid in the skillet over medium heat, for a minute or so, until it is thickened. Stir in the remaining 1-tablespoon of butter and the lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon the sauce over the leeks; sprinkle some pomegranate seeds (this is optional) and serve warm.

SALMON WITH CARAMELIZED LEEKS

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil, and spray with cooking spray.
• Trim away the root end, tough outer leaves, and dark green tops of the leeks. Cut the leeks lengthwise into quarters, then crosswise into thirds. Wash the leeks well to remove any grit, and drain in a colander.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook and stir the leeks until they have started to soften, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the leeks with brown sugar, and cook until they turn brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the matchstick carrots, sprinkle with kosher salt, and cook and stir until the carrots are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet, rub the fillets with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the salmon until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily but isn't dry, about 10 minutes per 1 inch of thickness. Remove the cooked fillets to plates, and top each fillet with 1/4 of the caramelized leeks and carrots.

CARAMELIZED LEEKS OVER NOODLES

Steps:

• Split the leeks lengthways and wash each layer thoroughly.
• Slice across into thin strips, including the green part as well.
• Heat the oil and butter together over a gentle heat.
• When the butter has melted, add the leeks and toss well.
• Cook slowly, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the leeks start to soften.
• Sprinkle the sugar over all and, after a couple more minutes, mix well.
• Continue to cook for 15 to 30 minutes, until the leeks have begun to collapse into a sticky mass.
• Add small amounts of hot water if required to stop sticking.
• While the leeks are cooking, cook and drain the noodles.
• When the leeks are done, add the parsley, olive oil, cooked noodles and seasoning to taste.
• Toss well and serve.

CARAMELIZED ENDIVES AND LEEKS

Steps:

• Trim 2 leeks, leaving enough of the core to hold them together; halve lengthwise and rinse well. Halve 4 endives. Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil with 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, salt and pepper; toss with the leeks and endives. Place the vegetables on a sheet of foil; drizzle with any extra dressing. Fold up the packet and grill over medium-high heat until the endives are slightly golden and the leeks are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Top with crumbled blue cheese.

BALSAMIC CARAMELIZED LEEKS, CARROTS, AND CELERY

Steps:

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir leeks until softened, about 5 minutes. Add celery, carrots, vegetable broth, and balsamic vinegar; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
• Stir brown sugar into leek mixture until dissolved and mixture is lightly browned, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper.