Simmeredleeks Recipes

BRAISED LEEKS WITH SEL DE MER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place the leeks into a baking dish and pour the wine over them. Dot the leeks with butter and sprinkle with sel de mer. Place uncovered in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until they are fork tender. Remove from the braising liquid and serve immediately.

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.

SIMMERED LEEKS

Steps:

• Carefully clean leeks; cut off the stemmy bottoms and the dark green leaves, so you end up with with white and light green parts only (dirt can get in between the leaves, so wash them out well).
• Cut leeks lengthwise in quarters, then into about 1-inch squares.
• Heat oil in heavy wide saucepan or saute pan; add leeks, salt, pepper, and stir over low heat for 5 minutes.
• Add broth and bring to boil, cover and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, for about 10 to 15 minutes or until leeks are tender.
• Raise heat to medium, uncover and let juices reduce to about half.
• Be careful not to let burn.
• Taste and adjust seasoning, serve hot.
• Makes about 2-4 servings, depending on what you're using them for.

SENSATIONAL SIMMERED LEEK CABBAGE MUSHROOM TRIO

Steps:

• Carefully clean leeks; cut off the stemmy bottoms and the dark green leaves, so you end up with with white and light green parts only (dirt can get in between the leaves, so wash them out well).
• Cut leeks lengthwise in quarters, then into about 1/2-inch squares.
• Heat oil and butter in *large* heavy and wide saucepan or saute pan; add cleaned/cut leeks, cut cabbage, sliced mushrooms, salt, pepper, and stir over low heat for 5 minutes.
• Add broth (I usually add a bit of sherry, too) and bring to boil, cover and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, for about 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
• Raise heat to medium, uncover and let juices reduce to about half (be careful not to let burn).
• Taste and adjust seasoning, serve hot.
• Makes about 4-6 servings, depending on what you're using them for.

SIMMERED LEEKS RECIPE

Steps:

• Carefully clean leeks; cut off the stemmy bottoms and the dark green leaves, so you end up with with white and light green parts only (dirt can get in between the leaves, so wash them out well). Cut leeks lengthwise in quarters, then into about 1-inch squares. Heat oil in heavy wide saucepan or saute pan; add leeks, salt, pepper, and stir over low heat for 5 minutes. Add broth and bring to boil, cover and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, for about 10 to 15 minutes or until leeks are tender. Raise heat to medium, uncover and let juices reduce to about half. Be careful not to let burn. Taste and adjust seasoning, serve hot. Makes about 2-4 servings, depending on what you're using them for.

CARAMELIZED LEEKS BRAISED IN A WINE AND THYME BUTTER SAUCE

Steps:

• Trim the leeks by removing the outer layer and most of the dark green tops. You should be left with only the white and light green parts. Halve them lengthwise, making sure to leave the root end intact. Place the trimmed leeks in a large bowl of cold water and swish them around to remove the grit and dirt from the many layers. (Leave the leeks in the water for a few minutes - this will loosen up the dirt). Remove the leeks from the water and drain them on a kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Place a 12" non-stick skillet over medium heat (the skillet should have a lid which you will need later.) When the skillet is hot, add two tablespoons of butter and when the butter melts, sprinkle the sugar, ¼ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper evenly over the bottom of the skillet. Next, add the leeks, cut side down in a single layer. Cook the leeks until they become golden brown and caramelized. This will take 5-6 minutes depending on the heat and the kind of skillet you are using.
• To the skillet, add the wine, broth, fresh thyme sprigs and some salt & pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, carefully turning them once or twice (this step is not absolutely necessary). The leeks are done when they can be pierced easily with a knife. If they need a longer time braising or if your liquid has evaporated, add some more wine and broth.
• Remove the leeks from the skillet and place on a serving dish. Cover them to keep them warm. Simmer the remaining liquid in the skillet over medium heat, for a minute or so, until it is thickened. Stir in the remaining 1-tablespoon of butter and the lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon the sauce over the leeks; sprinkle some pomegranate seeds (this is optional) and serve warm.

BACON AND EGGS WITH SAVORY SAUTEED LEEKS

Steps:

• Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble. Saute leeks in bacon fat until soft. Make 4 wells, break 2 eggs in each, and season. Cover and cook until just set, 5 minutes. Top with bacon and chives.