Crispy Leeks Recipes

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.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND CAPERS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Put asparagus on a rimmed sheet pan and toss with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well coated.
• In a small bowl, stir together leeks, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Sprinkle leeks on top of asparagus, then sprinkle with capers. Roast until asparagus are tender and golden brown, about 12 to 18 minutes.
• While the asparagus stalks roast, make the mustard sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, capers and garlic. Slowly whisk in olive oil a few drops at a time to create a thick, emulsified dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Once asparagus stalks are out of the oven, squeeze a lemon wedge over it and sprinkle parsley on top. Serve with mustard sauce and more lemon wedges on the side.

CRISPY LEEKS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Cut leek in half lengthwise, then cut each piece in half crosswise. Cut each quarter into long, thin strips. Rinse the strips in hot water and pat dry.
• Toss in a medium bowl with oil.
• In a small bowl combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle flour and spice mix over leeks; toss well to combine.
• Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring once or twice, until the leeks are crispy and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

ARCTIC CHAR EN PAPILLOTE WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 400˚ F. Tear off 4 sheets of parchment paper, 16 to 18 inches long each. Thinly slice 1 leek crosswise into half moons and divide among the parchment sheets, slightly off center. Top evenly with the thyme and parsley sprigs and 1 piece of butter each. Top each pile with a char fillet (if it's skin-on, place skin-side down) and season generously with salt and pepper. Top each fillet with another piece of butter and carefully pour about 2 tablespoons wine over each mound of ingredients.
• Fold the parchment over the fish. Starting at one corner, fold and pleat the parchment all the way around to the other corner, making sure the packet is well sealed. Carefully transfer the packets to 2 baking sheets. Bake until the fish is just cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand 3 to 5 minutes, then carefully open the packets.
• While the fish cooks, cut the remaining leek crosswise to make 4 pieces, then slice lengthwise into thin strips. Put in a medium nonstick skillet with the olive oil and turn the heat to medium. Cook, tossing, until crisp and browned, 8 to 10 minutes, adding the sliced garlic for the last minute. Remove from the heat and season with salt. Top the fish with the crispy leeks and garlic and chopped parsley.

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.

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.

LEEK-AND-ASPARAGUS CRISPY RICE

Steps:

• Heat butter and 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in asparagus and 1/2 cup water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until asparagus is bright green and just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to high, and cook until most of liquid has evaporated, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl.
• Return skillet to high heat; swirl in 1 tablespoon oil. Spread rice in a single layer; cook, undisturbed, until crisp in places, about 4 minutes. Stir in leek mixture, lemon zest and juice, peas, cheese, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with more cheese and herbs, topped with a fried egg.