Creamy Baked Leeks With Citrus Crumbs Recipes

CREAMED LEEKS

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F.
• Cut each leek into an 8-inch length, measuring from root end, and halve lengthwise, then cut crosswise into roughly 1 1/2-inch pieces. (You should have about 8 cups.) Wash leek pieces in a large bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out and transfer to another bowl. Repeat with clean water, then drain leeks well.
• Cook bread crumbs with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in 3 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until crisp and pale golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Cut out a round from parchment or wax paper to fit just inside a 12-inch heavy skillet.
• Cook leeks with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, leeks covered directly with parchment, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 12 minutes.
• Discard parchment and transfer leeks with a slotted spoon to gratin dish. Pour cream slowly over leeks, then scatter bread crumbs on top. Bake until cream is bubbling and slightly thickened and crumbs are golden brown, about 15 minutes.

LEEKS BAKED IN CREAM

Steps:

• Trim the leeks, discarding the roots and reserving the green parts for another use.
• Cut the white parts in half lengthwise and rinse carefully to remove sand.
• Butter a suitable flat baking dish and arrange the leeks in it, cut side up.
• Mix the cream with the mustard, season very lightly with salt (the cream reduces considerably during baking), add pepper to taste, and pour the cream mixture over the leeks. Sprinkle on the bread crumbs and bake for a half to three-quarters of an hour, or until the leeks are tender and the cream is well reduced and the top lightly browned.

CREAMED LEEKS

Steps:

• Trim the leeks and remove the tough outer leaves. Slice the white and light green part into 1/4-inch rings, put them into a large bowl of water and swish gently to remove any dirt or sand; drain in a colander.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter. Add leeks and cook until they are just starting to get tender and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Stir together whipping cream and Dijon mustard and pour into the skillet, stirring until well incorporated. Reduce heat to low and simmer until leeks are tender but still crisp, 6 to 8 minutes (don't overcook). Season with salt and pepper and remove skillet from heat.
• Sprinkle with nutmeg and Parmesan cheese; serve immediately