Fried Leeks Garnish Recipes

SAUTEED LEEKS

Steps:

• Thinly slice leeks. Use white and light green parts of leeks. Separate rings and place in colander. Rinse well and drain well. Try to get leeks as dry as possible.
• Heat olive oil and butter on med-high in frying pan large enough for all the leeks. Remember that they will wilt down!
• Add leeks to frying pan. Stir until all the leeks are coated with oil and butter. At this time, add tarragon, coriander and salt and pepper.
• Reduce heat to medium.
• Stirring frequently, cook until leeks are close to caramelized, approximately 25 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy.

BUTTERED LEEKS

Steps:

• The day before you want to serve this dish, cut the leeks from top to root and wash thoroughly under cold running water. Thinly slice them on the diagonal and put into plastic bags and chill until ready to cook.
• To serve, put a large pan over a medium heat, add the butter and let it melt over the base of the pan. Add the leeks and plenty of seasoning and stir to coat in the butter. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan and cook the leeks gently for about 15 minutes, stirring half way through until they are tender. Serve with extra butter and a sprinkling of thyme leaves.

FRIED LEEKS

Steps:

• In a medium sauce pot heat oil to 350 degrees F.
• Clean and julienne leeks. Sift cornstarch and flour together. Dust leeks in flour/cornstarch and fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Drain on a paper towel, season with salt. See Cook's Note.

FRIED LEEKS (GARNISH)

Steps:

• In a medium sauce pot heat oil to 350 degrees F. Sift cornstarch and flour together.
• Dust leeks in flour/cornstarch and fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Drain on a paper towel, season with sea salt.

CRISPY FRIED LEEKS

Steps:

• Pour peanut oil into heavy small saucepan to depth of 1 inch; heat to 350°F. Fry leeks in small batches until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer fried leeks to paper towels to drain.

COLCANNON WITH CRISPY LEEKS

Steps:

• In a medium pot, combine the potatoes with enough water to cover them by 2 inches and a large pinch of salt. Boil until tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter, along with a drizzle of oil, then add leeks and a pinch of salt. Sauté over medium heat for 5 or so minutes. When the leeks are golden, spoon some out onto a plate to use for garnish.
• To the leeks in the pan, add the garlic cloves, and cook them for a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the greens. Season with more salt and cook, tossing them, until the greens are wilted and very tender. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water.
• Now add the potatoes to the skillet and mash them (so they're either smooth or chunky), and add some milk or vegetable broth, if you like, and a lot of butter. Taste, and add more salt and lots of pepper. Scatter on the fried leeks and more butter to melt in little pools across the top.
• Top with a fried egg or some smoked salmon, or serve a simple green salad on the side.