Simmered Leeks Recipes

EASY TURKISH-STYLE LEEKS RECIPE IN OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan heat ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the leeks, carrots, and garlic and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and the spices. Toss around and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring regularly as needed until the leeks and carrots soften just a bit.
• Add 2 cups of water, the rice, and lemon juice. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the vegetables are fully tender.
• Let the leeks and carrots cool down to room temperature, then stir in the fresh parsley, lemon zest, and another good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

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.

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.

MEATBALLS SIMMERED WITH LEEKS (KEFTEDES PRASSOSELINO)

Steps:

• Make the Meatballs:.
• Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and knead well.
• Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
• When ready to cook them, shape into golf ball sized portions (around 30).
• Place a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides; do this in batches (do not over-cook, they will cook further with the leeks).
• Remove meat to a plate and pour off all the accumulated fat in the skillet.
• Reduce heat to low, add 4 tablespoons of butter and scrape up any bits of fond.
• Add the leeks and celery and slowly saute, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes.
• Season with salt, pepper and paprika.
• Add the meatballs and stir everything together.
• Add just enough water to come about two thirds of the way up the meatballs.
• Cover and simmer over very low heat for about an hour, checking occasionally to make sure there is sufficient liquid to prevent scorching.
• If you like (it does add amazing richness to the dish), swirl two tablespoons of butter in the pan, tipping it to distribute the butter throughout the meat and leeks.
• Remove from heat, rest briefly, and serve.

SKILLET CHICKEN AND FARRO WITH CARAMELIZED LEEKS

Steps:

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper, and set aside while preparing the leeks.
• Trim roots from leeks, then cut away any wilted, yellowing or browned parts from the greens. Slice leeks in half lengthwise. Wash well under cold running water to remove any soil, then shake dry. Thinly slice the leeks (including the greens) into half-moons. You should have about 6 cups. Measure out about 2 tablespoons of sliced leek whites and set them aside for garnish.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. When the oil thins and coats the bottom of the pan, add half the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
• Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and stir in the leeks and a pinch of salt. Sauté until tender and golden brown, 10 to 13 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in spices, thyme and tomato paste, and cook until tomato paste darkens and caramelizes, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Stir in farro and 1 teaspoon salt. When the liquid comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and nestle in the browned chicken, skin-side up; pour in any juices from the plate. Cover pan and let cook until the farro is tender and the chicken is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss together the reserved leek whites, chopped tomatoes and parsley. Season to taste with salt, pepper and an acid like lemon or lime juice or vinegar. The mixture should taste tangy and bright.
• Discard the thyme sprigs, and serve chicken and farro topped with some of the tomato mixture.

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.

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.