Best 7 Braised Leeks With Lemon Recipes

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Braised leeks with lemon is a classic French dish that is both simple to make and bursting with flavor. The leeks are braised in a mixture of butter, white wine, lemon juice, and herbs until they are tender and caramelized. This dish can be served as a side dish or a main course, and it is perfect for any occasion.

In addition to the classic braised leeks with lemon recipe, this article also includes three other variations on this dish. The first variation adds bacon to the braising liquid, giving the leeks a smoky and savory flavor. The second variation uses chicken broth instead of white wine, making it a more hearty and flavorful dish. The third variation adds mushrooms to the leeks, creating a more complex and earthy flavor.

No matter which variation you choose to make, you are sure to enjoy this delicious and versatile dish.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SIMPLE BRAISED LEEKS



Simple Braised Leeks image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Vegetables

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 small leeks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc
Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, for serving

Steps:

  • Remove outer leaves; cut dark-green ends from leeks. Trim roots, keeping leaves attached. Halve lengthwise; rinse to remove grit.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks to pan and arrange cut side down in a single layer. Cook until softened and light golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn leeks and cook on the other side until softened, 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn the leeks again so they are cut side down and peel off any papery outer layers. Add stock and wine, stirring to deglaze pan. Cook for 1 minute. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover with a parchment paper round. Cook until the leeks are tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove parchment, raise heat, and cook until liquid is reduced, about 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with coarse salt and parsley; serve.

EASY TURKISH-STYLE LEEKS RECIPE IN OLIVE OIL



Easy Turkish-Style Leeks Recipe in Olive Oil image

This easy leeks recipe is my take on a Turkish dish called zeytinyağlı pırasa, where tender leeks and carrots are braised in a flavorful olive oil sauce with garlic. All you need alongside this leeks recipe is a wedge of lemon and a few slices of crusty, rustic bread to sop up the delicious olive oil sauce. But these braised leeks are also light enough to serve with some baked fish or grilled chicken. Best served cold or at room temperature.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Entree     Side Dish

Number Of Ingredients 10

Extra virgin olive oil
3 large leeks, (cleaned well and trimmed, whites and tender green parts sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
2 to 3 carrots, (peeled and cut into ¼-inch rounds)
3 large garlic cloves, (minced)
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
2 tablespoons rice, (I used arborio rice, rinsed)
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan heat ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the leeks, carrots, and garlic and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and the spices. Toss around and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring regularly as needed until the leeks and carrots soften just a bit.
  • Add 2 cups of water, the rice, and lemon juice. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the vegetables are fully tender.
  • Let the leeks and carrots cool down to room temperature, then stir in the fresh parsley, lemon zest, and another good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 144.1 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 1.7 g, Fat 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 129.5 mg, Fiber 2.4 g, Sugar 3.2 g, UnsaturatedFat 7.8 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BRAISED LEEKS WITH LEMONS



Braised Leeks With Lemons image

Provided by Barbara Kafka

Categories     side dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings as a side dish

Number Of Ingredients 5

5 pounds leeks, trimmed to 6 to 7 inches from the root end and washed well
5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 lemons, sliced very thin and seeded
1/2 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place leeks in 2 layers in a 14-by-9-by-2-inch oval dish. Pour broth over leeks. Place lemon slices evenly over leeks. Drizzle olive oil over lemons.
  • Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook at 100 percent power in a high-power oven for 50 minutes. Prick plastic to release steam.
  • Remove from oven and uncover. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or cold.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 301, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 1057 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams

BRAISED LEEKS WITH LEMON



Braised Leeks with Lemon image

Categories     Vegetable     Side     Quick & Easy     Low/No Sugar     Lemon     Leek     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 small or medium leeks, tough outer leaves discarded and leeks trimmed to about 7 inches long and cut lengthwise into quarters or eighths
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

Steps:

  • In a shallow dish soak leeks in cold water to cover 15 minutes, rubbing occasionally to remove any grit. In a heavy skillet melt butter over moderate heat. lift leeks out of the water and with water still clinging to them add to skillet. Cook leeks, stirring occasionally, five minutes and add broth and zest. Braise leeks, covered, 5 minutes, or until very tender, and season with salt and pepper.

LEEKS BRAISED IN CREAM WITH GARLIC AND LEMON



Leeks Braised in Cream With Garlic and Lemon image

This is an incredibly easy and very wonderful way to prepare leeks. It is a perfect accompaniment for grilled fish or chicken served with buttered noodles. From the Perfect Vegetables Cookbook by Cook's Illustrated.

Provided by Ms B.

Categories     Onions

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 medium leeks (between 3/4 inch and 1 1/4 inches in diameter)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon, zest of
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
salt
ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Trim leeks about 2 inches beyond the point where the leaves start to darken.
  • Trim the root end and cut the leeks in half length-wise and then crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Place the leek pieces in a large bowl filled with cold water and rinse thoroughly.
  • Lift the leeks out of the water (the soil will have sunk to the bottom) and into a colander to drain.
  • Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the leeks and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks start to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the cream, broth and zest.
  • Cover and simmer until the leeks are tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and cook until the braising liquid thickens, about 2 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161.6, Fat 11.6, SaturatedFat 7.1, Cholesterol 35.6, Sodium 72.7, Carbohydrate 13.7, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 3.6, Protein 2.1

PAN SEARED RATTLESNAKE ON BRAISED LEEKS WITH A LEMON CAPER SAUCE AND SEASONAL VEGETABLES



Pan Seared Rattlesnake on Braised Leeks with a Lemon Caper Sauce and Seasonal Vegetables image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

6 rattlesnake fillets, skinned
All purpose flour, for dredging
Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper
2 cups chicken stock
1/4 pound apple smoked bacon
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large shallot, minced
4 tablespoons whole, unsalted butter, softened
1 tomato, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons capers, roasted
1 lemon, juiced
Baby frisee, picked, cleaned
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Finely chopped parsley leaves
Basil leaves, chiffonade and fried
Sauteed Seasonal Vegetable, recipe follows
1 cup haricots verts, cleaned
1 cup baby globe carrots
1 cup yellow wax beans
Chicken stock, for sauteing
Butter, for sauteing

Steps:

  • Rattlesnake: Dredge all of the skinned rattlesnake fillets in flour, and then sear both sides, until brown, in a medium sized saute pan with vegetable oil on medium heat.
  • Lemon Caper Sauce: Heat the chicken stock in a saucepan. In a separate medium saute pan, fry the apple-smoked bacon. Remove the bacon pieces. Add minced garlic and minced shallots to the pan of bacon lard. Pour in the heated chicken stock and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Finish the sauce with butter, diced tomato, roasted capers and the juice of one lemon. Heat the sauce on low heat.
  • To serve: Place the rattlesnake fillets on top of the sauteed vegetables and spoon the lemon-caper sauce on top. Sprinkle chopped parsley and fried basil leaves on top of the sauce. Finish by garnishing the plate with frisee that has been tossed in lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Cook the vegetables in a saute pan over medium heat with a little chicken stock and butter until they are slightly tender. Serve warm.

BRAISED LEEKS WITH PARMESAN



Braised Leeks With Parmesan image

My friend Elizabeth tells me that even people who think they don't like leeks like this dish. The leeks are braised in wine and water or stock until soft and golden, then topped with Parmesan and run under a broiler, so you get a crunchy layer on top of soft cooked leeks. One of the tricks here is to discard the outer layers that become papery when you cook them, so that the whole leek will be soft and easy to cut through.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     side dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 leeks, not too thick if possible
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine, like sauvignon blanc
1 1/2 ounces Parmesan, freshly grated (1/3 cup)

Steps:

  • Cut the ends and the dark green leaves of the leeks, and cut in half lengthwise. Place in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, then run under the faucet to remove any sand that may be lingering in between the layers. Peel off thick outer layers and discard.
  • Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy skillet that will accommodate all of the leeks in one layer. Place the leeks in the pan, cut side down, and cook, shaking the pan and moving them around with tongs, until they are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Using tongs, turn the leeks over and cook on the other side until they are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn the leeks back over so that the cut side is down. Peel off the outer layers if they are papery, as they will not soften when the leeks are braised. Pour in the wine and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan, then add enough water or stock to come just to the top of the leeks. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the leeks are thoroughly tender when pierced with a knife. Most of the liquid should have evaporated by this time. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
  • Transfer the leeks to an oiled ovenproof pan if your skillet cannot go under the broiler. Using tongs, turn the leeks so that the flat side is up. If there is still a lot of liquid in the pan, pour it off. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the leeks. Place under the hot broiler until the cheese has melted and is beginning to color. Remove from the heat and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 135, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 278 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Leeks: Select young, fresh leeks with bright green leaves and a firm white base. Avoid leeks with yellowing or wilted leaves.
  • Clean the Leeks Thoroughly: Leeks can trap dirt and grit between their layers. Rinse them well under cold water, separating the leaves to ensure all dirt is removed.
  • Slice the Leeks Evenly: Cut the leeks into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Aim for slices that are about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Use a Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan will distribute heat evenly and prevent the leeks from burning.
  • Don't Crowd the Pan: When braising the leeks, make sure they are in a single layer in the pan. Overcrowding will prevent even cooking.
  • Add Aromatics for Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the leeks by adding aromatics such as garlic, shallots, onions, or herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  • Use a Good Quality Broth: The broth you use for braising is essential for adding flavor to the dish. Choose a flavorful broth, such as chicken, vegetable, or beef broth.
  • Simmer, Don't Boil: Bring the braising liquid to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Simmering will gently cook the leeks without overcooking them.
  • Season to Taste: Once the leeks are cooked, taste the braising liquid and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
  • Serve Warm: Braised leeks are best served warm. They can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course with a protein of your choice.

Conclusion:

Braised leeks are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. They are easy to make and can be prepared with a variety of ingredients. With their delicate flavor and tender texture, braised leeks are a great addition to any meal. So, next time you're looking for a simple yet flavorful dish, give braised leeks a try!

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