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French in a Flash: Quick-Braised Young Leeks with Parmesan and Thyme
Sometimes for FIAF recipes, I have a very distinct idea of what to make. Like, Celeriac Remoulade. I pace and puff and pout my way around a supermarket, hunting for the celery roots that are never going to be found, because they're not in season. This week, I did as the French do (probably very appropriate given the nature of this column), and just wandered the produce aisle, looking for something to strike my fancy.
And I found them. Baby leeks.
They've been trendy for a while, which is not something you say everyday about leeks.
My flavor inspiration came from Thanksgiving stuffing; the onion and thyme action is in each salty bite. I do a quick blanch on the leeks, then toss them with olive oil and whole thyme leaves and a bit of nutty Parmesan, then put them into a hot oven to have everything crisp and crumble into each other. The result is such a beautiful, unusual side dish, full of soft, mellow onion flavor, and charred, woodsy strands of thyme, and nutty, salty Parmesan.
About the author: Kerry Saretsky is the creator of French Revolution Food, where she reinvents her family's classic French recipes in a fresh, chic, modern way.
French in a Flash: Quick-Braised Young Leeks with Parmesan and Thyme
About This Recipe
| Yield: | 2 |
| Active time: | 5 minutes |
| Total time: | 10 minutes |
Ingredients
- 6 ounces baby leeks, tips and dark greens trimmed away
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 10 small sprigs thyme
- 1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan
Procedures
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1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Halve the leeks lengthwise. Place the butter and water and salt in a sauté pan over high heat. Add the leeks in a single layer, and place the lid askew over the pot. Cook until the water has just evaporate, about 7 minutes.
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2
Gently toss the leeks with the olive oil and add the whole thyme sprigs. Roast in the oven until just slightly golden, about 3 minutes. Scatter the Parmesan over the leeks, and return to the oven for 1 minute more. Serve on the side, or on top, of chicken or fish.
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