Turkish Leek Salad Recipes

ZEYTINYAğLı PıRASA (TURKISH BRAISED LEEKS AND CARROTS) RECIPE

Steps:

• Begin by washing the leeks and cutting them into 2-inch diagonal slices. Place them in your pressure cooker or in a large saucepan.
• Wash and peel the carrots and cut them into diagonal slices about 1/4-inch thick. Place them in the saucepan with the leeks.
• Add the uncooked rice, sugar, salt, pepper, and parsley. Drizzle the water and lemon juice over the top. Bring the water to a boil then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Let the leeks and carrots simmer slowly until the water is almost gone and they are very tender.
• Once your vegetables are cooked, leave them to cool down in the pan with the cover on. When they've cooled down to room temperature, remove the lid. Pour the olive oil evenly over the vegetables and move them around in the pan to work the oil through them. Don't stir them as this will damage the vegetables. Sprinkle some more chopped fresh parsley over the top.
• When you are ready to serve them, slide the vegetables out of the pan on to your serving plate. If you need to use a spatula or spoon, scoop them out of the pan very gently as not to damage them.
• You can serve the leeks and carrots at room temperature, or refrigerate them for a few hours before serving. You can squeeze a little more lemon juice over the top just before serving for extra tang.

TURKISH LEEKS IN OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• Trim leeks and remove a few of the outer layers.
• Slice 3/4" thick, discard tough green leaves.
• Wash leeks well in several changes of water.
• In a heavy skillet, heat olive oil.
• Stir in leeks and carrots.
• Cover and cook very gently (low heat) for 30 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally.
• Blend in the remaining ingredients in order.
• Cover and simmer for another 30 minutes, checking the liquid and adding more water, if necessary.
• When fully cooked, it should be very moist but not watery.

LEEK SALAD

Steps:

• Remove the dark green portion of the leeks and discard. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise and wash in water, being careful to check all the layers for hidden dirt. Fill a wide pan with water about 1/2-inch high up the sides. Add the leeks, simmer gently for 12 minutes, and then drain.
• Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard and balsamic vinegar, and then drizzle in the oil to make an emulsion, whisking constantly. Add in the salt, pepper, and thyme. Lay the leeks lengthwise on small serving platter. Sprinkle with the chopped bacon, drizzle with the dressing, and serve.

TURKISH-STYLE BRAISED LEEKS

Steps:

• Cut the leeks crosswise into pieces about 2 inches long, then slice in half lengthwise. Wash the leeks very well.
• In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the leeks, oil and carrots over medium-high heat. Stir gently every once in a while, until the leeks are slightly softened, about 10 minutes.
• Add the stock or water, sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until leeks are very tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and olives and continue to simmer, uncovered, until the liquid is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
• Cool to room temperature, uncovered, about 45 minutes. Stir in the parsley, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

TURKEY, THYME & LEEK MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Heat the oil in a frying pan, then soften the leeks for 5 mins. Line the base of a 28 x 18cm baking tin with greaseproof paper.
• Mix the mince, thyme, two-thirds of the breadcrumbs, leeks and egg together with a little seasoning, then tip into the tin. Press the mixture firmly into the tin, then ruffle the surface with a fork. Mix the remaining breadcrumbs and bacon together and scatter over the top. Cook for 15 mins, then finish under the grill until golden and crisp on top. Serve with boiled potatoes and carrots.

LEEK SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together lemon and oil with a healthy pinch of salt and several grindings of pepper. Toss with leeks.
• Core large tomatoes, cut them in half horizontally, and shake out their seeds, squeezing gently. Chop. Peel the cucumber if necessary, cut in two lengthwise, and scoop out seeds with a spoon. Slice thinly.
• Combine all ingredients, and taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish, and serve.

CRISP LEEK SALAD

Steps:

• Soak the leeks to remove all dirt before slicing. Slice the white and light green portions of the leeks. In a covered saucepan, cook the leeks in a small amount of boiling salted water for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and cool.
• Cut tomatoes into thin wedges.
• Combine the leeks, tomato wedges, and chopped hard-boiled egg.
• For the dressing, combine the remaining ingredients in a jar. Cover and shake to mix well.
• Pour the mixture over the salad. Toss gently to coat. Cover and chill for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Drain the salad before serving.

KISIR

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium sized saucepan and sauté the onion to just take off the raw edge. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 secs or so. Add the cumin and chillies and cook for another 1 min. Stir in the tomato purée and 175ml boiling water. Add the bulgur, season, stir everything together, remove from the heat, cover and leave to sit for about 15 mins. The water should have been absorbed.
• Fork the grains to separate and aerate them, then add the tomatoes, walnuts, pomegranate seeds and herbs and fork them through. Mix the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and pomegranate molasses in a small bowl. Add three quarters of this, then taste to see if it needs any more (if it seems well flavoured and moist enough, then leave it).
• The kisir can sit at room temperature for a few hours, or covered in the fridge - but let it come to room temperature before serving.

TURKISH BRAISED LEEKS WITH OLIVES

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the leeks and sauté in until softened, about 10 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes, stock, salt, pepper, and sugar.
• Cover and simmer until the leeks are tender, about 30 minutes.
• Add the olives and lemon juice and simmer another 10 minutes.
• Serve at room temperature as an appetizer or warm as a side dish.