Creamy Parmesan Leeks Recipes

CREAMY PARMESAN LEEKS

Steps:

• Place the leeks, water and butter in a saucepan with a tightly fitting lid.
• Bring quickly to the boil, then turn the heat as low as you can, and cook for about 15 minutes, checking the liquid and stirring a couple of times.
• Stir in the cream and heat, then fold in the parmesan cheese and serve.

BRAISED LEEKS WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Cut the ends and the dark green leaves of the leeks, and cut in half lengthwise. Place in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, then run under the faucet to remove any sand that may be lingering in between the layers. Peel off thick outer layers and discard.
• Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy skillet that will accommodate all of the leeks in one layer. Place the leeks in the pan, cut side down, and cook, shaking the pan and moving them around with tongs, until they are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Using tongs, turn the leeks over and cook on the other side until they are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn the leeks back over so that the cut side is down. Peel off the outer layers if they are papery, as they will not soften when the leeks are braised. Pour in the wine and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan, then add enough water or stock to come just to the top of the leeks. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the leeks are thoroughly tender when pierced with a knife. Most of the liquid should have evaporated by this time. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
• Transfer the leeks to an oiled ovenproof pan if your skillet cannot go under the broiler. Using tongs, turn the leeks so that the flat side is up. If there is still a lot of liquid in the pan, pour it off. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the leeks. Place under the hot broiler until the cheese has melted and is beginning to color. Remove from the heat and serve.

BUTTERY LEEKS WITH PARMESAN AND THYME

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Trim dark-green tops and root ends from leeks and discard; halve lengthwise. Remove thick, tough outer layers (2 to 4 total, depending on size), discarding or reserving for another use. Thoroughly wash and drain leeks, keeping them intact. Arrange in a snug single layer, cut sides up, in a broiler-safe baking dish or skillet.
• In a small saucepan, boil wine 30 seconds. Add broth and return to a boil; season generously with salt and pepper. Pour mixture over leeks, then sprinkle with butter and thyme. Cover dish with parchment-lined foil.
• Roast 45 minutes. Uncover and continue roasting until leeks are very soft and broth mixture is reduced by half, 20 to 22 minutes.
• Switch oven to broil. Sprinkle leeks with cheese. Broil 6 to 8 inches from heating element until bubbly and browning in places, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm, with some of braising liquid.

SOFT POLENTA WITH LEEKS

Steps:

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks; stir to coat. Cover and cook until leeks soften, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add 2 1/4 cups water, broth and bay leaf. Bring to boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until mixture is thick and creamy, stirring often and thinning with more water if necessary, about 35 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat. Discard bay leaf. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and Parmesan cheese. Season polenta to taste with salt and pepper. Divide polenta among plates.