**Crispy Leeks: A Culinary Delight for All Occasions**
Crispy leeks are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. With their golden-brown exterior and tender-crisp interior, these leeks are sure to impress your taste buds. This article presents a collection of crispy leek recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and culinary skills. Whether you're a vegetarian seeking a hearty meatless meal or a seasoned chef looking to elevate your next dinner party, these recipes offer a delightful culinary experience. From classic fried leeks to innovative leek fritters and even a creamy leek soup, there's a recipe here for every leek lover. Get ready to embark on a crispy leek adventure that will leave you craving more.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND CAPERS
In this supremely springy recipe, thick asparagus stalks and thinly sliced leeks are glossed with olive oil and covered in salty capers. Everything is roasted in the same pan and emerges tender and golden-edged. Capers also make an appearance in the mustard sauce served alongside, which adds a tangy, mayonnaise-like richness. You can double the recipe, if you wish, though you may have to increase the roasting time by a few minutes to make up for a more-crowded pan. Serve this on its own as a first course, or as an accompaniment to roast chicken, braised meats or seared fish. Just don't use thin asparagus: It'll cook too quickly, before the leeks have a chance to turn golden. Stick with spears that are at least 1/2 inch in diameter.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories vegetables, side dish
Time 20m
Yield 3 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Put asparagus on a rimmed sheet pan and toss with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well coated.
- In a small bowl, stir together leeks, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Sprinkle leeks on top of asparagus, then sprinkle with capers. Roast until asparagus are tender and golden brown, about 12 to 18 minutes.
- While the asparagus stalks roast, make the mustard sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, capers and garlic. Slowly whisk in olive oil a few drops at a time to create a thick, emulsified dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once asparagus stalks are out of the oven, squeeze a lemon wedge over it and sprinkle parsley on top. Serve with mustard sauce and more lemon wedges on the side.
COLCANNON WITH CRISPY LEEKS
An Irish dish of mashed potatoes and greens, colcannon is one of the most nourishing, comforting dishes you could make. The fried leeks aren't traditional: Usually, the alliums are stewed more slowly in butter, if they're used at all. But they lend a deeper flavor, and a crisp, savory finish. For a full meal, crown it with a fried egg or some smoked salmon, or serve a simple green salad on the side. (This recipe is part of the From the Pantry series, started in the days after the coronavirus lockdown.)
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, vegetables, main course
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a medium pot, combine the potatoes with enough water to cover them by 2 inches and a large pinch of salt. Boil until tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter, along with a drizzle of oil, then add leeks and a pinch of salt. Sauté over medium heat for 5 or so minutes. When the leeks are golden, spoon some out onto a plate to use for garnish.
- To the leeks in the pan, add the garlic cloves, and cook them for a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the greens. Season with more salt and cook, tossing them, until the greens are wilted and very tender. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water.
- Now add the potatoes to the skillet and mash them (so they're either smooth or chunky), and add some milk or vegetable broth, if you like, and a lot of butter. Taste, and add more salt and lots of pepper. Scatter on the fried leeks and more butter to melt in little pools across the top.
- Top with a fried egg or some smoked salmon, or serve a simple green salad on the side.
BAKED POLENTA WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND BLUE CHEESE
Baking polenta in the oven means you don't have to stand over the pot, stirring the extremely hot, bubbling mass. Here, the polenta is cooked in stock for the deepest flavor. Then it's topped with piquant crumbles of Gorgonzola dolce and crisp fried leeks, which add sweetness and crunch. You can serve this as a warming main course along with a crisp green salad, or as a rich and flavorful side dish to simple roasted meats or fish.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, weekday, grains and rice, main course, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 9-by-9-inch baking dish. In a large pot, bring stock, 2 tablespoons butter and salt to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium, then slowly add polenta, stirring constantly until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Scrape polenta into prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes.
- As polenta bakes, prepare the leeks: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 3 tablespoons oil, in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in leeks and a large pinch of salt, and cook until dark golden and crisped, stirring frequently, and lowering heat if they start to brown too quickly, 10 to 12 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Remove polenta from oven. Stir in half the Gorgonzola, then cover again with foil, and let sit for 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
- When ready to serve, taste polenta and stir in more salt, if needed (this will depend on how salty your cheese and stock are). Drizzle polenta with olive oil, and sprinkle with remaining Gorgonzola, crispy leeks, and parsley or basil.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 350, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 578 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CRISPY FRIED LEEKS
Steps:
- Pour peanut oil into heavy small saucepan to depth of 1 inch; heat to 350°F. Fry leeks in small batches until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer fried leeks to paper towels to drain.
CRISPY LEEKS
Found this included on a fish recipe over at EatingWell website and thought I would share. It sounds really good.
Provided by Jencathen
Categories Vegetable
Time 22m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut leek in half lengthwise, then cut each piece in half crosswise. Cut each quarter into long, thin strips. Rinse the strips in hot water and pat dry.
- Toss in a medium bowl with oil.
- In a small bowl combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle flour and spice mix over leeks; toss well to combine.
- Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring once or twice, until the leeks are crispy and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
CRISPY SKINNED CHESAPEAKE BAY ROCKFISH WITH HAYMAN SWEET POTATO, VIRGINIA COUNTRY HAM AND BLUE CRAB HASH, MELTED LEEKS AND MEYER LEMON BUTTER
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- For the Meyer lemon butter: In a small saucepan, reduce the Meyer lemon juice until slightly syrupy. Stir in the heavy cream. Whisk in the cold cubed butter a few pieces at a time, not allowing the sauce to become cold or too hot to touch by hand. When all of the butter is incorporated, strain the sauce. If the sauce separates, pulse with an immersion blender to emulsify. Set aside and keep warm.
- For the hash: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, salt it generously. Trim the root end of the leek and halve lengthwise. Rinse very well under running water to flush out any grit trapped between the leaves. Slice leeks into 1/4-inch-thick pieces, put in a small strainer and dip in the boiling water. Cook until just tender, about 3 minutes, then plunge strainer and leeks in an ice water bath to cool. Drain and pat dry leeks, set aside. Repeat this procedure with the diced sweet potatoes, blanch until almost tender, about 3 minutes, then cool in the ice bath. Drain and pat dry, set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the blanched Hayman sweet potatoes leeks, sweat until very tender about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the leeks continue to cook until heated through. Add the crab and country ham, stirring gently until heated through. Add the fines herbes at the last minute. Season, to taste, with salt and white pepper. Set aside and keep warm while you prepare the fish.
- For the rockfish: Score the skin side of the fillets with a sharp knife, taking care not to cut too far into the flesh of the fish. Season with salt and white pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the clarified butter. Add the rockfish skin side down, sear until skin is golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, add the butter and thyme and bake until just cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- In a bowl or plate, drizzle the warm Meyer lemon butter in a circle just inside the rim. Gently place the warm blue crab hash in the center of the plate. Place the rockfish on top of the hash with the crispy skin side up. Garnish with Meyer lemon segments or slices, if desired.
ONE-POT MUJADARA WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND SPRING GREENS
Make and share this One-Pot Mujadara With Crispy Leeks and Spring Greens recipe from Food.com.
Provided by lecole54
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 50m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place lentils in a large bowl and add warm tap water to cover by 1 inch. Let soak.
- Meanwhile, halve leeks lengthwise; run under warm water to release any grit. Thinly slice leeks crosswise.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer half the leeks to a bowl to use for garnish and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Stir garlic into the pot with the remaining leeks and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant. Stir in rice and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in cumin, allspice and cayenne; sauté 30 seconds.
- Drain lentils and stir into pot. Add 4-1/4 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Rinse greens in a colander and spread damp leaves over lentil mixture. Cover and cook 5 minutes more, until rice and lentils are tender and greens are wilted. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Serve sprinkled with reserved crispy leeks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.8, Fat 14.6, SaturatedFat 2, Sodium 1323.7, Carbohydrate 64, Fiber 16.1, Sugar 2.8, Protein 15.8
CRISPY POTATOES AND LEEKS
These become tender and soft in the oven, and are finished off under the broiler to crip them up! Adapted from Cooking Pleasures magazine. Potatoes and leeks were used throughout Europe and are considered Irish, Russian and Southern USA foods.
Provided by Sharon123
Categories Breakfast
Time 45m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Melt 1 tbls. of butter in a heavy large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks; cook 3 minutes or until soft. Place in a large bowl and cool. Reserve skillet.
- Shred potatoes using food processor or grater, working quickly to avoid discoloration. Rinse potatoes under cold water; pat dry with paper towels. Place in the bowl with the leeks. Add green onions, salt, pepper and thyme. Toss to combine.
- Spray a 11"x7" baking dish with nonstick cookiing spray. Heat 1 1/2 tbls. of the butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil in the same skillet over medium high heat until melted and hot. Spoon half of the potato mixture into skillet, and cook 5-8 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, stirring frequently. Spread evenly in baking dish. Repeat with remaining butter, oil, and potato mixture.(Potatoes can be made to this point oup to 1 day ahead. Bring to room temperature before reheating).
- Heat oven to 350*F. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through. Heat broiler; broil 4-6 minutes or until top is browned and slightly crisp. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
POTATO AND LEEK SOUP WITH CRISPY MASALA LEEKS
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories soups and stews, appetizer
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Slice three of the leeks. Julienne the fourth, and set it aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the sliced leeks and onion, cover and cook over low heat, stirring from time to time, until the vegetables are very soft but have not colored. Add the potatoes and chicken stock. Cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are soft.
- Puree the leek and potato mixture in a food processor, and return it to the saucepan. Stir in the milk and cream, and bring the soup to a simmer. Season the soup with salt, and keep it at a low simmer.
- Mix the cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg together, and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a small deep pan until it is very hot but not smoking. Add the julienned leek, and cook until it is golden brown. Remove it with a slotted spoon to several thicknesses of paper towel to drain. Sprinkle it with 1/4 teaspoon of the spice mixture and a good pinch of salt.
- Sift the remaining spice mixture onto the soup through a fine strainer. Lightly swirl in the spices without thoroughly incorporating them, so that there are streaks of spice. Divide the hot soup among four dishes, top each with the spiced leeks, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 981, UnsaturatedFat 58 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 79 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 1498 milligrams, Sugar 15 grams, TransFat 1 gram
ONEONE-POT MUJADARA WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND SPRING GREENS
Steps:
- Place lentils in a large bowl and add warm tap water to cover by 1 inch. Let soak. 2. Meanwhile, halve leeks lengthwise; run under warm water to release any grit. Thinly slice leeks crosswise. 3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer half the leeks to a bowl to use for garnish and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. 4. Stir garlic into the pot with the remaining leeks and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant. Stir in rice and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in cumin, allspice and cayenne; sauté 30 seconds. 5. Drain lentils and stir into pot. Add 4 1/4 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Rinse greens in a colander and spread damp leaves over lentil mixture. Cover and cook 5 minutes more, until rice and lentils are tender and greens are wilted. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Serve sprinkled with reserved crispy leeks.
SEARED SCALLOPS WITH CRISPY LEEKS
Categories Shellfish Bake Low Carb Low Fat Quick & Easy Low Cal Low Sodium Dinner
Yield 4 Servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1.Preheat oven to 425°F. 2.Cut leek in half lengthwise, then cut each piece in half crosswise. Cut each quarter into long, thin strips. Rinse the strips in hot water and pat dry. Toss in a medium bowl with 2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle flour, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt over the leeks; toss well to combine. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring once or twice, until the leeks are crispy and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand on the baking sheet until the scallops are done. 3.Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt with Italian seasoning, lemon zest and pepper in a small bowl. Pat scallops dry and sprinkle both sides with the seasoning mixture. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve the scallops with the crispy leeks on top.
LOBSTER SALAD WITH SAFFRON POTATOES AND CRISPY LEEKS
Steps:
- Cook lobster in boiling water for 3 1/2 minutes. Remove from water and set aside to cool.
- To make vinaigrette, in a deep bowl mix together sherry vinegar, olive oil, truffle oil, and salt and pepper, to taste.
- Heat 1/4-inch of oil in a deep saute pan to 350 degrees F.
- To prepare the leeks, boil in water for 1 minute. Dry the leeks completely then fry them in the oil until crispy. Remove from pan immediately, drain on a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
- To prepare the potato, peel in a cylindrical shape. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add a pinch of saffron. Add the potato and cook until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the potato into 5 (1/2-inch thick) medallions. Place in a bowl with shallots, 1/2 of the chives and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Add the truffle. Toss potatoes with the vinaigrette a few times to marinate. Place potatoes in the center of a plate.
- Shell the lobster and cut the meat into 1/2-inch medallions. Place the lobster in a bowl and toss with 3 to 4 tablespoons of vinaigrette. Heat lobster by placing the bowl in hot water for approximately 1 minute. Place lobster on top of potatoes. Place leeks on top of lobster. Finish the plate with a pinch of lobster roe and the rest of the chopped chives.
BABY PEAS WITH BACON AND CRISPY LEEKS
Steps:
- 1 - wash leeks well and pat dry. Heat ½" oil in large saucepan until shimmering. Add all but ½ c. leeks and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with salt & pepper. (Discard oil) 2 - cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. 3 - add remaining ½ c. leeks and thyme to bacon fat and cook until leeks are softened (8 minutes). Add ½ c. broth and cook until reduced by half (7 minutes) add heavy cream and reduce by half. Stir in peas, crumbled bacon and remaining ½ c. broth and bring to boil. Discard thyme. Add salt & pepper and cornstarch mixture. Cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes. Serve, topped with crispy leeks.
BUTTERY BRAISED LEEKS WITH A CRISPY PANKO TOPPING
Steps:
- Melt the butter and olive oil over a medium-high flame in a large sauté pan. Once the oil and butter are hot, place the leeks cut side down into the pan. Let the leeks brown in the pan for 4-5 minutes. Carefully flip the leeks over and turn the heat on low. Cover and let the leeks braise for about 25-30 minutes or until the leeks are soft all the way through. Take the leeks off the heat and squirt the lemon juice over the braised leeks and add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with the panko topping. 2. For the panko topping: Combine panko with parsley, Parmesan, and salt and pepper in a small dish. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast this mixture until golden brown. Serve over the leeks. Make sure that you taste the panko mixture for correct seasonings to ensure that the dish is seasoned all the way through.
Tips:
- Choose the right leeks: Look for leeks that are firm and have a bright white or light green color. Avoid leeks with yellow or brown spots, as these are signs of age and poor quality.
- Prepare the leeks properly: Trim off the root end and the dark green tops of the leeks. Cut the leeks lengthwise and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Use a high heat: High heat is essential for getting the leeks crispy. Make sure your pan or grill is hot before adding the leeks.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the leeks will steam instead of fry and won't get crispy.
- Season the leeks generously: Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other spices or herbs to taste.
- Cook the leeks until they are tender and crispy: The leeks should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Depending on the thickness of the leeks, this will take about 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion:
Crispy leeks are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They can be served on their own, as a topping for salads or soups, or as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats. With their slightly sweet and smoky flavor, crispy leeks are sure to please everyone at your table.
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