Light Leeks Vinaigrette 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 DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Game Plan: Make the vinaigrette while the leeks cook.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously. Trim the root end of the leeks, leaving enough to hold the leaves together, and halve lengthwise. Rinse very well under running water to flush out any grit trapped between the leaves. Add the leeks to the boiling water and cook until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer the leeks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pat dry and lay them on a serving platter.
• Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar, mustard, water, and the 3/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over leeks, turn them to coat, and scatter the parsley and the tarragon, if using, over the top. Serve immediately or up to 2 hours later at room temperature.

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.

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. Trim dark-green tops from leeks, leaving root end intact. Remove tough outer layer. Starting 1" above root end, halve leeks lengthwise. Wash leeks, making sure to clean all sand from between layers. Dry slightly on paper towels.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil and butter in a large, deep ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook, turning occasionally, until light golden in spots, about 5 minutes. Add wine and cook until almost all liquid is absorbed, 3-4 minutes. Add 1 cup water, chicken stock, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Transfer skillet to oven. Bake until leeks are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk 1 tablespoon parsley, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
• Transfer leeks to a platter, drizzle with vinaigrette, top with eggs, and garnish with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.

LIGHT LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Trim tough, dark greens from leeks; discard. Halve leeks lengthwise, and cut off root ends, leaving as much of bulb intact as possible. Rinse each half under running water, carefully separating layers to loosen dirt.
• Place a steamer basket over a saucepan filled with water; simmer. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
• Place leeks in steamer basket, cover and steam, until very tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to bowl of ice water to cool; drain. Dry on paper towels, cut side down, patting gently.
• In a small bowl, whisk oil, mustards, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Arrange leeks on a platter; spoon vinaigrette over top.

WARM LEEKS VINAIGRETTE (POIREAUX TIEDES EN VINAIGRETTE)

Steps:

• Whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly, until well combined; set aside.
• Trim leeks to about 6 inches, leaving only white and light-green parts. Trim roots, and cut leeks in half lengthwise. Wash well under cold running water to remove any dirt; set aside.
• Place a metal steamer basket in a large saucepan. Fill with water up to the bottom of the basket, and bring to a simmer. Add the leeks, cover, and steam until leeks are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove the leeks, and drain on paper towels to remove any water. Place leeks in bowl with vinaigrette, and toss to combine. Serve hot or at room temperature.