Sunday, March 18, 2007

My New Best Friend.

Leeks: Lusciously Lovely.

Yes it's true-I have a new best friend. The Leek. It is a vegetable I was not familiar with until recently and now I can't get enough.

Since it is a cousin to onions, shallots, scallions and garlic, it contains many of the same beneficial compounds found in them. Leeks are, however, much milder and sweeter. And that's why I love them!

I have mostly used them in soups, until now. A friend of mine found this recipe for me and it was phenomenal. Give it a try!

Braised leeks with parmesan and thyme
By Steve Manfredi Good Living Entertainment

For 6 people, clean and wash 6 large, plump leeks, slice each down the center then cut each length in half, giving each person 4 half-cylinders. Preheat the oven to 180C.(350 F.)

Place the leeks - cut side facing up - in a baking dish so they fit snugly. Pour chicken stock in the dish until the leeks are not quite covered. Sprinkle the leek faces with extra virgin olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Distribute a generous amount of grated parmesan on top and finish with a little freshly chopped thyme.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the leeks are tender. Serve straight out of the oven.

7 comments:

barb said...

I am not that familiar with leeks either - so - this is a good reason now to try them thanks!

Brilynn said...

I'm adding leeks to my shopping list this week!

Anonymous said...

This looks good... and I've always wanted to try them. Hmmm...

Unknown said...

What do these taste like? Leeks and fennel are two things I have yet to try but would like to.

Deborah Eley De Bono said...

I've only used leeks in soup so this is interesting. I love onions and leeks help reduce the LD, bad cholesterol while raising the good HDL.

Annie said...

Doodles, I'm surprised you have never tried them. You should give them a try. I think you'll love them!

Brilynn, Go for it. There are so many ways to use them.

Amy, I got you thinking huh? Go ahead , give them a try.

Claire, Leeks taste a little bit like onions or shallots but are MUCH milder. I love them in soups and this recipe was surprisingly delicious.

Mooncrazy, I read that in the worlds healthiest foods website. I love it when something you like is actually good for you because so often it's not.

Heather said...

oddly, this sounds pretty good to me.
I found leeks last year in a potato and leek soup that turned out great.
I also have another recipe I am dying to try with them, thanks for adding to the leek pile.