Pea And Leek Tart Recipes

BUTTERED PEAS & LEEKS

Steps:

• Gently soften the leeks in butter and oil in your largest pan for 15-20 mins until almost meltingly soft. You can soften the leeks up to a day ahead, then just reheat in the pan before continuing the recipe. Stir in the stock, bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins. Stir in the peas and spring onions for 3-5 mins more until the peas are defrosted and cooked through, then season and serve.

PEA & LEEK SUPER-GREEN TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and put a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Lightly dust a surface with flour, then roll out the pastry into a circle. Use to line a 22cm tart tin (3cm deep) with a removable base. Trim away any excess pastry that hangs over the top and chill while you make the filling.
• Heat the butter in a frying pan, add the leek in a single layer and fry for a minute, then add 50ml water and cover with a lid. Cook over a low heat for 4 mins (check it doesn't dry out). Whisk the cream and egg together, then mix in the spinach and peas.
• Tip the pea mixture into the base of the tart and arrange the leek on top. (If you don't want the leeks on top, then stir them through the pea mixture.) Break the mozzarella pearls in half and dot them over the tart. Put the tart on the baking sheet and bake for 30 mins, or until the filling is cooked through. Leave to rest for 5 mins before cutting.

LEEK, RICOTTA & GRUYèRE TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Roll out the pastry and use to line a 23cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Prick the base with a fork and line with baking parchment and baking beans. Sit the tin on a baking sheet and bake for 10 mins, then remove beans and parchment and return to the oven for a further 5 mins until pale golden. Reduce oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large pan and gently cook the leeks for 10 mins until softened. Beat together the ricotta, cream, eggs, tarragon, a little salt and plenty of black pepper. Stir in the leeks and all but a handful of the cheese.
• Pour the mixture into the tart case and scatter over the remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden and set. Leave to settle for 5 mins, then carefully remove from the tin and allow to cool a little on a wire rack. Serve warm.

BRAISED LEEKS, PEAS, AND LETTUCE

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large wide saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook leeks, partially covered and stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned, 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper, then pour in wine. Increase heat to medium-high and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until wine is reduced by half, 1-2 minutes. Add lettuce, peas, and 1 cup water. Partially cover pan and bring liquid to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until lettuce and peas are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat, then stir in chives, mint, and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter. Top with pistachios.

CREAMED LEEK TART

Steps:

• Pulse the flour and butter in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Add the egg yolk and water, and bring together into a ball. Do not knead. Roll the pastry in cling film and chill for at least 1 hr.
• Meanwhile, heat the butter in a pan, then add the leeks. Cook over a low heat for 20-25 mins until soft, stirring often. Season to taste. Stir in the flour, cook for 3-4 mins, stirring, then stir in the milk and cream. Once smooth, simmer for 15 mins to cook out the flour. Season well, then cool. If making ahead, cover the surface with cling film and chill for up to 2 days. Stir the eggs and egg yolks into the mix, along with the grated cheese and the mustard.
• Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 5mm/¼in thick, and gently lay it over a 23cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Using a small ball of pastry to help, gently press the pastry into the sides of the tin. Trim, leaving a slight overhang. Line the pastry with baking paper, fill with baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans and paper, and bake for 10 mins more or until golden and biscuity. Cool on a wire rack. Turn oven down to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Spoon the leek mix into the case and smooth the top. Bake for 30 mins until set and golden. Rest the tart for 15-20 mins before you slice it, and serve warm. If making ahead, chill the tart. Once cooled, for up to 2 days, or freeze for a week. Defrost in fridge, then warm in the oven for 20 mins before serving.