Romaine And Leeks Recipes

BLT: BEEF, LEEK AND TOMATO SALAD - WITH BACON DRESSING - AN EXTRA "B"!

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan or grill to medium-high heat.
• Bring steaks to room temperature, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Place the steaks on the grill, cook meat 10 to 12 minutes for pink centers. Turn twice and let meat rest 5 minutes before slicing.
• While meat cooks, brown bacon in a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Chop the leeks then soak in a large bowl of water or separate the chopped leeks by running under water. Dry the leeks in a kitchen towel.
• Place cooked bacon on paper towels to drain. Pour off all but about a tablespoon of bacon drippings then add leeks and wilt down. Season cooked leeks with salt and peppe, to taste.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a food processor and add Worcestershire, vinegar, mustard, some black pepper and a splash of water. Turn processor on and stream in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil.
• On each dinner plate, arrange a bed of shredded romaine and thickly sliced tomatoes. Slice meat against the grain of the steak. Arrange the steak over the sliced tomatoes. Scatter the leeks over the sliced steaks and pour bacon dressing down over the top.

ROMAINE AND LEEKS

Steps:

• Wash romaine leaves and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Drop into boiling water, bring back to boil, drain immediately, shock under cold water and drain again. Reserve.
• Trim leeks and cut in half lengthwise. Rinse well to remove sand and cut into 1/4-inch pieces crosswise.
• Melt butter in large skillet, add leeks, cover and cook over very low heat 10 minutes.
• Add romaine, turn up heat and stir to mix well with leeks and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir to heat through.

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.