Grilled leek dip is a delightful and versatile appetizer or snack that showcases the natural sweetness and savory flavors of grilled leeks. Made with a combination of grilled leeks, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and herbs, this dip offers a rich and creamy texture with a smoky, caramelized flavor. It's perfect for dipping vegetables, crackers, bread, or chips, and can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. With variations such as a vegan-friendly version and a recipe for grilled leek dip crostini, this article provides options for a variety of dietary preferences and serving styles. Grilled leek dip is an easy-to-make dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for parties or gatherings. Its smoky, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
GRILLED LEEKS WITH ROMESCO SAUCE
In Catalonia there is an annual ritual called the calçotada, an outdoor barbecue that revolves around local spring onions called calçots. After harvest, the onions, which look like baby leeks, are grilled, then wrapped in newspapers to steam for a bit. They're served with romesco sauce, the nut-thickened pepper purée that is another regional specialty. For this picnic recipe, I've substituted leeks for the spring onions and reversed the process, steaming the leeks at home, then finishing them on a wood fire to get the smoky flavor.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories appetizer
Time 2h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Make the romesco sauce. Preheat the broiler, and cover a baking sheet with foil. Place the tomatoes on the baking sheet, and place under the broiler at the highest setting. Broil for two to four minutes until charred on one side. Turn over, and broil on the other side for two to four minutes until charred. Remove from the heat, transfer to a bowl and allow to cool. Peel and core.
- Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade, and drop in the garlic cloves. When the garlic is chopped and adheres to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the sides. Add the toasted almonds (or almonds and hazelnuts), bread and chili powder or flakes to the bowl. Process into a paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the pepper, tomatoes, parsley, paprika, salt and pepper. Process until smooth. With the machine running, add the vinegar and olive oil in a slow stream. Process until well mixed, then scrape into a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt as desired. If possible, allow the sauce to stand for an hour at room temperature before using.
- Cut away the dark green ends of the leeks. Trim the root end. Cut fat leeks lengthwise into quarters, and rinse thoroughly under cold water to wash away any sand. If your leeks are 1/2 inch in diameter they needn't be cut; if they are between 1/2 inch and an inch, you can just cut them in half.
- Bring an inch of water to a boil in the bottom of a steamer. Place the leeks in the steamer, and steam 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and toss with the olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare a medium-hot grill. Grill the steamed leeks for five minutes, turning often, just until grill marks appear. Remove from the heat, and serve with romesco sauce.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 219, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 250 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
GRILLED LEEKS
Steps:
- Bring white wine, clam juice, garlic, onion and butter to a simmer. Add leeks and braise for 20 minutes, let cool in liquid. Cut lengthwise. Whisk together the olive oil and garlic in a large bowl, and the leeks and let marinate 1 hour. Preheat grill. Grill until golden brown.
LEEK DIP
A mild, creamy dip that puts beloved leeks in the spotlight. Serve with buttery, round crackers. It's always a big hit at parties!
Provided by Anita
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes Cold Cheese Dip Recipes
Time 2h10m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the leeks, cream cheese, creamy salad dressing, vinegar, sugar, bacon bits, salt and pepper. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours, until well chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 109.6 calories, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 22.3 mg, Fat 8.9 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 397.8 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
Tips:
- Choose fresh, tender leeks for the best flavor and texture.
- Trim the leeks well, removing the tough outer leaves and the root end.
- Slice the leeks thinly so that they cook evenly.
- If you don't have a grill, you can roast the leeks in a hot oven instead.
- Be patient when caramelizing the leeks. It takes time to develop their full flavor.
- Season the dip to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve the dip warm with your favorite dippers, such as crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Grilled leek dip is a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you serve it warm or cold, with crackers, bread, or vegetables, this dip is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So next time you're looking for a new and flavorful dip to try, give grilled leek dip a try. You won't be disappointed!
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