Description
Deliciously savory Parmesan braised leeks, perfect as a side dish or vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium leeks (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams), trimmed and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, extra virgin
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (like sauvignon blanc or chenin blanc)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prep Your Leeks: Start by trimming the roots and dark green tops off the leeks and slice them lengthwise. Give them a good rinse under cool water to get rid of any dirt hiding between the layers. You will want them clean; nobody wants that gritty surprise! Keep an eye on your slices so they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Sauté & Add Flavors: Heat some olive oil in a skillet and toss in the leeks once it is warm. Let them cook until they begin to soften and smell amazing; about five minutes should do it. This step builds flavor, so be careful not to let them brown too much or they will taste bitter.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in some vegetable broth and let those leeks sit in the bubbling goodness. You will want them to simmer gently until they are tender, which usually takes around 20 minutes. If they are still crunchy at the end, just give them a little more time to soften up.
- Add Parmesan & Broil: Sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan on top of those leeks. Get your broiler nice and hot, then pop the skillet in there. Keep an eye on it while it gets bubbly and golden, which should take about five minutes. You do not want to walk away; Parmesan can burn quickly, and nobody likes that.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once it is out of the broiler, let it sit for a minute or two. This lets the flavors meld beautifully. Serve these tasty leeks warm as a savory side dish that will have everyone wanting more. Just remember to serve it right away for the best cheesy experience!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If looking for the best taste, select long, light green leeks as they offer a sweeter flavor profile. When cleaning leeks, rinse them thoroughly under running water to completely remove any grit or dirt.
- Troubleshooting: If your skillet starts smoking, simply lower the heat to medium-low to prevent the oil from burning. For leeks that are still crisp when serving, try increasing the simmer time until they become fork tender. If the cheese is not melting smoothly, ensure your broiler is adequately preheated and watch closely to prevent it from burning.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal. Drizzle with extra olive oil and balsamic reduction.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 247mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 11mg