Leeks a la Grecque
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
50 minutes
Servings:
4
Serves 4.
A light appetizer of leeks that have been cooked and left to cool in a fragrant mixture of broth and wine, this dish is typical of the simple bistro fare that visitors to France in the 1950s would try to re-create when they returned home. The easy "Greek-style" treatment was also a popular way for the French to cook other vegetables such as mushrooms, artichoke hearts, celeriac or fennel. Once the leeks are combined with the onions and seasonings, simmer them very gently so they'll hold together and develop a good flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. young, slender leeks
- 1 Tbs. salt
- 8 to 10 pearl onions
- 3/4 cup chicken broth, or as needed
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 Tbs. tomato paste
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 tsp. peppercorns
- Paprika
Directions:
Trim the leeks, leaving about 1 inch of the tender green tops intact and cutting them all to the same length. (Trim but do not cut off the root core.) Remove and discard any old leaves. Make a lengthwise slit along each leek to within about 2 inches of the root end. Hold each leek under cold running water and separate the leaves slightly to rinse away any dirt lodged between the layers. If the leeks are small, leave them whole; if medium sized, cut them in half lengthwise.
Using kitchen string, tie the leeks in a bundle, securing it in 2 or 3 places. Bring a large pot half full of water to a boil over high heat. Add the salt and the leeks and boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain and let cool for a few minutes. When the leeks are cool enough to handle, snip the string and separate the leeks. Set aside.
Bring a small saucepan three-fourths full of water to a boil over high heat. Add the onions and boil, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Drain and plunge the onions into cold water. When the onions are cool, trim off the root ends. Using your fingers, slip off the skins, then cut a shallow cross in the root end of each onion to keep the inner layers from protruding during cooking. Set aside.
Place the leeks in a sauté pan or fry pan large enough to hold them in a single layer. In a small bowl, stir together the 3/4 cup broth, the wine, olive oil and tomato paste until well blended and pour over the leeks. Tuck the bay leaves under the leeks, distributing them evenly in the pan, and scatter the peppercorns over the top. Arrange the onions around and among the leeks, making sure they are immersed in the liquid. The liquid should just barely cover the leeks; add more broth if needed. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and barely simmer, uncovered, until the leeks are tender and the liquid is reduced to a few spoonfuls, about 45 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
To serve, arrange the leeks in a single layer in a serving dish. Arrange the onions and bay leaves over the leeks, then spoon the sauce, including the peppercorns, over the top. Sprinkle with paprika and serve.
Using kitchen string, tie the leeks in a bundle, securing it in 2 or 3 places. Bring a large pot half full of water to a boil over high heat. Add the salt and the leeks and boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain and let cool for a few minutes. When the leeks are cool enough to handle, snip the string and separate the leeks. Set aside.
Bring a small saucepan three-fourths full of water to a boil over high heat. Add the onions and boil, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Drain and plunge the onions into cold water. When the onions are cool, trim off the root ends. Using your fingers, slip off the skins, then cut a shallow cross in the root end of each onion to keep the inner layers from protruding during cooking. Set aside.
Place the leeks in a sauté pan or fry pan large enough to hold them in a single layer. In a small bowl, stir together the 3/4 cup broth, the wine, olive oil and tomato paste until well blended and pour over the leeks. Tuck the bay leaves under the leeks, distributing them evenly in the pan, and scatter the peppercorns over the top. Arrange the onions around and among the leeks, making sure they are immersed in the liquid. The liquid should just barely cover the leeks; add more broth if needed. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and barely simmer, uncovered, until the leeks are tender and the liquid is reduced to a few spoonfuls, about 45 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
To serve, arrange the leeks in a single layer in a serving dish. Arrange the onions and bay leaves over the leeks, then spoon the sauce, including the peppercorns, over the top. Sprinkle with paprika and serve.
Serves 4.
Adapted from Celebrating the Pleasures of Cooking,
by Chuck Williams
(Time-Life Books, 1997).
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