Description
These tender braised leeks are a delicious, easy, flavorful vegetable side that just melts in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients, they are vegan-adaptable and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4-6 large leeks (similar diameter)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cups veggie broth
- 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, plus a few sprigs for garnish.
Optional garnishes: Goat cheese crumbles, parmesan, pecorino, or lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F
- Prep the leeks. Slice the white and light green parts of the leeks into equal 1-to 1 ½-inch-tall rounds. (You want to be able to plop them in your mouth in one bite, like sushi). I usually use as much of the tender part of the leek as possible. Rinse if necessary.
- Saute. Heat a large oven-proof skillet or braiser over medium-low heat. Add the oil, and season the pan with salt and pepper, swirling it around, then add the leeks. Let them get perfectly golden brown, checking often so they don’t get overly dark. Use tongs to flip them over.
- Add braising liquid. Add the vegetable stock and sprinkle with the thyme leaves Bring to a simmer.
- Bake. Cover tightly, place in the oven, and bake until meltingly tender, 25-30 minutes.
- Uncover. Spoon some of the braising liquid over the leeks. Test them for doneness. If you want a little more caramelization, continue baking uncovered for 10-15 minutes longer, adding the optional cheese at this point and let it melt.
- Serve. Serve the leeks in the same braiser (they are tricky to move), sprinkle with more thyme sprigs and lemon zest if you like.
Notes
Chef’s note. The flavor combination of creamy goat cheese and leeks is exceptional, but the leeks are truly delicious on their own.
Storage. Braised leeks will keep up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. They can also be frozen for 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 slices
- Calories: 147
- Sugar: 3.8 g
- Sodium: 710.9 mg
- Fat: 10.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.2 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
