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Tuesday 31 March 2020

Cheesy Leeks, a tasty side dish for Roast Chicken, or a vegetarian supper !

Leeks have been cultivated since the time of the Ancient Egyptians and were probably part of the diet of those who built the pyramids. Hippocrates the ancient Greek physician and ‘father of medicine’ prescribed the leek as a cure for nosebleeds.

Like garlic and onion, leeks are a member of the allium family, but have their own distinct flavour - quite harsh when raw (only very young leeks are eaten this way) but, when cooked, very delicate, like a mild onion but with a hint of sweetness. Two thirds of their length is white and firm, and this is the part that is mainly eaten. The rest of the third is made up of the leaves (flags), most of which is discarded, although some may wish to use them whilst making broth. 

Leeks are very versatile and work well cooked in various recipes or as a side dish, like this recipe suggestion for Cheesy leeks which are great as a side dish for roast chicken – especially if you are serving vegetarians as well as meat eaters. This recipe makes enough for a generous supper for two or a vegetable accompaniment for four. 




Ingredients 
Serves 2 - 4
4 slender leeks (around 575g/1lb 4½oz total weight), trimmed
20g/¾oz butter, plus extra for greasing
20g/¾oz plain flour
200ml/7fl oz milk, semi-skimmed or full-fat
1 tsp English or Dijon mustard
100g/3½oz mature cheddar cheese, or other cheese, finely grated
2 tbsp dried white breadcrumbs (ideally panko breadcrumbs), optional

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Lightly butter a shallow baking dish. (It will need to hold around 1 litre/1¾ pint.)
2. A third-fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Remove any tough or damaged leaves from the outside of the leeks if not already done. Trim the leeks, leaving all of the white part and some of the green.
3. Cut the leeks into roughly 3cm/1¼in pieces and add to the water. Return to the boil and cook for 5 minutes, depending on the thickness, or until the leeks are tender. They are ready when the tip of a knife slides in easily. Drain in a colander over a large mixing bowl to reserve the cooking water.
4. To make the sauce, return the empty pan to the heat, add the butter and melt gently. Stir in the flour and cook for 10–15 seconds stirring. Gradually add the milk and then a ladleful (around 100ml/3½fl oz) of the reserved cooking liquid, stirring or whisking well between each addition to make a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Add the mustard, half the cheese and season generously with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

6. Scatter the leeks into the baking dish and pour the sauce on top. Mix the remaining cheese with the breadcrumbs, if using, and sprinkle on top. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.
From an original idea here

This blog brings a variety of articles and recipe ideas, and it is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

39 comments:

Tom said...

...leeks have never been something that I eat!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Sounds delicious, I must admit I have never tried leeks. Take care, wishing you a great week ahead!

DVArtist said...

Really a great recipe. We went to our local store yesterday and there is hardly any food. They told me trucks are coming in but there is much on them. I live in a small town on the Oregon Coast. I am a bit worried. So I will have to try this recipe when we have leaks.

Phil Slade said...

Sssh. Leeks are a bit of a secret around here. I've been able to get leeks on most shopping trips. Leeks and potato soup, cheesy leeks, chicken and leek pie. Looking on the bright side - the British may rediscover cooking. Probably not. A whole generation is lost to cooking.

Elephant's Child said...

Yum. Simple and delicious.

Valerie-Jael said...

This looks good. I had a veggie soup with leeks in it today. Valerie

Diane said...

Wow your cheesy leeks look delicious.

Hugs Diane

Bill said...

Sounds great and I love leeks.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Sounds so good and easy. My kind of recipe, Jan. Thank you!

Mae Travels said...

So many ways to prepare leeks! I recently made a French recipe for a terrine of leeks with goat cheese and pecans. Steamed leeks in a vinaigrette sauce are one of my favorite salads. Your recipe sounds good.

be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Lisabella Russo said...

I'm not such a fan of leeks, but this recipe looks excellent. Maybe I'll give it a try sometime, thank you for the recipe!

carol l mckenna said...

Oh yummy looking and sounds like a great recipe ~ I like cheese too much ^_^

Be Well,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

dellgirl said...

Oooo This looks so yummm-ily delicious it’s making me hungry. Thanks for sharing the recipe, I’m going to try this one day.

Wishing you all the best!

happyone said...

I'll have to try that. Looks good and easy too.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

This sounds wonderful. I love anything with cheese.

JFM said...

Looks delicious Jan 💮

Chris Lally said...

Sounds like a yummy plan, Jan! Thanks:)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Jann, I hardly ever cook leeks but this recipe looks so good I will see if my store has them the next time I venture out shopping.I'd love to try something new! Thanks for another good recipe.

peppylady (Dora) said...

Leeks are something that we need to grow in garden this year.

Angie said...

Love leeks! Passing this on to the Head Chef now!

Lady Fi said...

Mmm - looks delicious!

Jo said...

I love leeks but I've never tried cheesy leeks, definitely one to add to the menu.

Iris Flavia said...

When I was into flat sharing the guy from South Germany made leek, rolled in ham and cheese and put it in the oven, yummy, too.
Sadly Hubby cannot have leek.

mamasmercantile said...

Great recipe, one of my favourites.

Bob Bushell said...

Beaitiful Cheesy Leeks Jan.

Ygraine said...

Oh I would love to try this...it looks SO delicious!!😊😊

Have a lovely day, and stay safe...

Hugs xxx

Jeanie said...

I haven't had leeks in a long time. These sound very good! Thanks!

RO said...

I've never tried Leeks, but something about them just makes me think they wouldn't be my friends(lol) Hugs and hope you're doing well! RO

Debbie said...

this sounds delicious, a little time consuming, but it seems it would be worth it!! delicious ingredients!!

Shari Burke said...

This sounds delicious! I will have to try it! Thanks for posting.

Irishredroses9309 said...

Yum, This makes we want to eat leeks!

Sue said...

This looks delicious, I'm a great fan of leeks, and cheese too, yum!

The Happy Whisk said...

Yum, yum, yum, yum. I love leeks and this year, I'm gonna try growing them. Hope and the family are safe and well. Cheers and boogie boogie.

Rhodesia said...

We are both very fond of leeks and this sounds delicious. Thanks for your visit and comment, Keep safe, Diane

baili said...

i must try it soon
recipe sounds so compelling dear Jan!

Mary Kirkland said...

That looks really good.

DeniseinVA said...

This looks very tasty. We love leeks in this house. Thanks Jan :)

Martha said...

I haven't had leeks in years! This sounds so delicious.

Magic Love Crow said...

My mouth is watering! Thank you Jan!!!