Velvety Melting Leeks Recipe - Tasting Table

Leeks are prepared by cutting large leeks into thick rounds using only the white and light green parts. The rounds are seared in a hot cast iron skillet until caramelized, then baked in the oven with white wine and vegetable broth. Butter is used to create a velvety, melting texture with a buttery finish. The finished leeks are topped with preserved lemons, lemon zest, and fresh chives. Preserved lemons provide a bright, salty bite, while chives add fresh herbal flavor. The dish is intended for elevated dinners and hosting, offering a surprising alternative to typical side dishes. Alcohol can be replaced with rice vinegar, additional vegetable broth, or a half water and half lemon juice mixture.

"Leeks are cut into thick rounds, seared in a hot cast iron skillet until caramelized, and then baked in the oven with white wine and vegetable broth. The resulting leeks have an irresistibly silky texture and buttery finish before being topped with preserved lemons, lemon zest, and fresh chives. The preserved lemons add a bright and salty bite, and the chives offer herby freshness."

"To make this recipe, start in the produce aisle and pick up some leeks. Look for fresh leeks that are large in size. Then grab garlic, fresh thyme, chives, and lemon. Head to the dairy aisle and select some unsalted butter. In the dry goods area pick up vegetable broth, olive oil, and jarred preserved lemons, which add a touch of briny flavor. You'll also need some dry white wine. If you don't want to use alcohol in this dish, you can substitute rice vinegar, more vegetable broth, or a mixture of half water and half lemon juice. Finally, you'll simply need salt and pepper."

"These velvety melting leeks are the ultimate dinner party side dish, featuring seared and baked leeks basted in butter and served with preserved lemons."

""If you are hosting a dinner party and want to serve something different than your typical side dish, these leeks are perfect," Hahn says. "They are one of those dishes that will surprise your guests, and they truly melt in your mouth.""

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