Braised Leeks Vinaigrette
About as classique as you can get...
Leeks Vinaigrette is our favorite kind of dish for a few reasons. First, the ingredients are common and inexpensive; second, it’s deadly simple to make; and third, well… it’s so, so delicious. Searing and braising the leeks imparts depth of flavor and turns them into a soft, mildly sweet marvel that plays wonderfully off the sharp mustard dressing, salty olives, and earthy capers. The result is both somehow rustic and refined, a party-worthy platter of old school delights that punches well above its weight.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
For the shopping list
- 4-6 smallish Leeks
- 1-2 cups Good quality chicken or vegetable broth
- A couple of big glugs of good dry white wine
- Parsley, chopped to serve
Equipment
From the kitchen
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
What you'll have to do
Step 1
Trim Leeks: remove the root end and green tops and any tough outer layers. Slice in half lengthwise and soak in a water bath for 5 mins, swirling to dislodge any grit or dirt hiding in the leaves. Remove and pat dry.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the leeks face side down and cook for a few minutes.
Step 3
When the leeks have sufficiently browed, flip them over; add a big glug of wine, a healthy pinch of salt, a few grinds of black pepper, and enough broth to just cover them. Bring to a boil, then turn down to medium and maintain a simmer until the leeks are soft but not melting (they should yield to a butter knife), 10-30 minutes.
If you’d like to add hard boiled eggs, now is the time to cook those.
Step 4
While the leeks are simmering, make the dressing: in a bowl, stir together 2-3 tablespoons mustard, 1 tablespoon vinegar, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper to taste (you want a thick consistency). Fold in the chopped capers.
Step 5
When the leeks are cooked through, transfer to a plate and cool (you can pop in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process).
Step 6
When the leeks are cool, add them to the mixing bowl and thoroughly coat them in the dressing. Arrange the dressed leeks on a platter and sprinkle the chopped olives and parsley over the top. If using the eggs, quarter them and garnish the platter with them.
Shop this recipe
Out of stock
Olive Oil
Everyday Single Varietal Olive Oil
Capay Valley Ranch - California
Salt, Herbs, & Spices
Italian Fine Sea Salt
Trapani - Sicily
Out of stock
Sauces & Condiments
Dijon Mustard
Saint-Maurice - France
Vinegar
Trio Red Wine Vinegar
Napa - California
Out of stock
Capers, Pickles, & Peppers
Oil Cured Olives
California
Capers, Pickles, & Peppers
Capers in Sea Salt
Pantelleria - Sicily
Dairy
Eggs - Farm Fresh
Cloverdale - Oregon
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