Leek Parmesan Phyllo Slice Recipes

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.

CREAMY LEEK AND CHEESE PHYLLO CIGARS

Steps:

• For the filling: Melt the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the leeks and saute until wilted and very soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper, and then transfer to a medium bowl.
• Stir in the soft cheese until it melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Stir in the Parmesan and parsley. Season with red pepper flakes if using. Set aside (you can scoop the filling later or pipe it by transferring the filling to a disposable piping bag with 1/2-inch opening cut from the tip).
• For the cigars: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Open the phyllo dough and unfurl it. With one of the shorter sides facing you, cut the dough in half lengthwise (you're aiming for rectangles about 7-by-18-inches long, but exact size may vary based on brand of dough). Cover the dough with a lightly damp clean kitchen towel so it doesn't dry out while you assemble the cigars.
• Make a cigar by placing one sheet of cut phyllo on your work surface with one of the shorter sides facing you. Brush the dough all over (but lightly) with the melted butter and top with another piece of dough. Continue this process until you've layered three pieces of dough. Brush the surface of the final piece with butter, too.
• Scoop (or pipe) about 1 tablespoon of filling in a line on top of the dough on the side closest to you. Fold the outside pieces of dough inward, and then roll up the dough around the filling to make a cigar shape (a lot like rolling a burrito).
• Transfer the cigar to the prepared baking sheet, and then repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Brush any of the remaining melted butter over the assembled cigars and sprinkle smoked paprika over each one.
• Bake the cigars until golden and crisp, 17 to 22 minutes. Cool at least 5 minutes before serving warm.

MUSHROOM & LEEK STRUDEL

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add half the mushrooms and leek. Cook and stir until mushrooms are lightly browned and leek is tender; remove from pan. Repeat with remaining butter, mushrooms and leek, adding garlic during the last minute of cooking. Return all to pan., Stir in wine and cream; cook 1-2 minutes or until liquid is almost evaporated. Stir in herbs, salt and pepper. Remove from pan; cool completely., Preheat oven to 375°. Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface; brush with butter. Layer with 5 additional phyllo sheets, brushing each layer. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.), Spoon half of the mushroom mixture down center third of phyllo dough to within 1 in. of ends. Sprinkle filling with 2 tablespoons cheese. Fold up short sides to enclose filling. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side., Transfer to a parchment-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan, seam side down. Brush with butter. Repeat with remaining ingredients for second strudel. Bake 18-22 minutes or until golden brown., Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

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.

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.

LEEK & PARMESAN PHYLLO SLICE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 160°C.
• Brush the pastry sheets with a little melted butter, one at a time. Then place one sheet on a lightly greased, baking sheet lined with silicon paper. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan and place another sheet on top of the first sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo, leaving the top sheet plain, and cook in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
• At the same time, melt the butter in a large non-stick pan and gently sauté the leeks and garlic until they softish, taking care not to allow them to brown.
• Add the wine and allow it to almost completely reduce; then add the chives, season the leek mixture to taste and mix well.
• When pastry is ready, remove it from the oven and gently press down the centre with a spatula, leaving a slightly thicker outer border. Spread the leek mixture evenly over the top of the pastry and sprinkle it with a little more parmesan.
• Serve with salad greens.