Leek Mustard Vinaigrette With Carmarthen Ham Recipes

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil and season liberally with salt.
• Trim the leeks at the root ends, keeping the leeks intact. Cut the leeks where the light green meets the darker green. Save the darker green section for stock. Split the leeks in half lengthwise, again leaving the roots intact. Put the leeks in a large bowl of water and let it sit for a minute. Rinse the dirt from the insides of the leeks by lightly separating the layers and allowing the water to wash the dirt out. Tie the leeks in 3 places with butcher's twine to hold shut.
• Add the leeks to the pot of water and let it come back to a simmer. Boil the leeks until they are very tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer them to paper towels and remove the twine. Separate each leek into 2 halves.
• In a small bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, mustards, garlic, shallots and salt and pepper. Spread some of the vinaigrette on the bottom of an 8-inch square dish.
• While the leeks are still warm, remove the outer layer of each; lay the leeks cut-side down in the vinaigrette in the dish. Spoon the remaining vinaigrette over the leeks. Cover and chill the leeks in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.
• Arrange the leeks on a platter and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Garnish with the hazelnuts, eggs and chives. Drizzle more vinaigrette over the leeks and serve.

LEEKS WITH MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. With kitchen twine, tie leeks into two bundles, with green tops at the same ends. Add bundles to boiling water. Reduce heat, and simmer until leeks are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove leeks; rinse under cold water. Drain well, and gently pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
• Make vinaigrette: In a large bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, garlic, and basil. Slowly whisk in oil in a fine stream. Add salt and pepper.
• Gently toss leeks in the bowl with vinaigrette, coating well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

CHEESY LEEKS & HAM

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/fan180C/gas 6. Cook the leeks in a pan of boiling salted water for 4-5 mins or until just tender. Drain and cool under a cold tap to stop them from cooking any further, then drain again well and pat dry on kitchen paper.
• Wrap each leek in a slice of ham, then arrange, side-by-side, in a large baking dish. Mix the cheddar in a bowl with the Dijon mustard and crème fraîche, until well combined. Season to taste. Spread over the leeks, then bake for 15-20 mins until bubbling and golden brown. Serve at once with plenty of crusty bread to mop up the juices.

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE WITH HARD-COOKED EGG

Steps:

• Set a steamer basket in a saucepan with 2 inches simmering water. Halve leeks lengthwise and rinse thoroughly. Add to basket, cover, and steam until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer leeks to a serving platter.
• Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add vinegar and sugar; cook 1 minute. Stir in mustard and season with salt and pepper; cook 1 minute. Spoon vinaigrette over leeks. Using the small holes of a box grater, grate egg over leeks. Serve warm or at room temperature.

STEAMED LEEKS IN MUSTARD AND CAPER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt until salt has dissolved; add mustard, capers, and oil and whisk to blend. Season with salt; set vinaigrette aside.
• Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in the bottom of a saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Place leeks in steamer basket, cover, and steam until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
• Drain leeks and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately cover with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with chives or parsley and serve immediately.

CLASSIC LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Trim leeks, removing tough outer layers and cutting off root ends. Leave a little green at the top. Make a lengthwise slit part way down each leek. Put leeks in a large basin of warm tap water and swish vigorously to dislodge any sand or dirt. Remove carefully, leaving grit in basin.
• Fill a medium sauce pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and put in leeks. Cook at a brisk simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until leeks are quite tender when pierced with a paring knife. Drain and cool to room temperature.
• Make vinaigrette: put mustard and vinegar in a bowl and stir to dissolve. Whisk in olive oil to make a thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
• Blot leeks and divide among 4 plates. Spoon vinaigrette over leeks, smearing with back of spoon. Sprinkle with capers. Garnish each plate with cornichons, olives and half an egg.