Monday 7 January 2013

Leeks




I finally got to my allotment and much to my amazement it was not as bad as I feared. Grant you the place is over run by fat pigeons and there is not a intact brassic plant in the place.
This year my one success story is leeks. I grew them from seed and they are doing great. I brought 4 home with me for dinner and I still have 19 more to harvest as I need them.

Leek Bake.

4 leeks. trimmed, washed and cut in half.
5tbsp creme fraiche
2 teaspoons mustard. (English)
150g grated cheese. (cheddar)
salt and pepper.
Butter to grease the dish,

Oven 180 fan

Blanch the leeks in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold running water. Drain again and dry in a clean tea towel.
Mix the creme fraichi mustard and cheese together.
Butter a shallow dish and arrange the leeks on the bottom. Spoon the sauce mixture over the leeks. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until golden.
If you want to up the quantise of sauce if you have more leeks or more people for dinner. You can also roll each leek in a thin slice of ham if you are feeding meat eaters. You can change the type of cheese or mustard you use depending on what is in your fridge.

Enjoy.
 








6 comments:

  1. Your leeks look great. I haven't harvested any of mine yet, I must get up there sometime this week and dig some up for dinner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jo. I'm really pleased with them.

      Delete
  2. Dear Cookie Jar
    Congratulations on the successful leek growing. One of my favourite recipes is leek risotto (Nigel Slater Simple Suppers). You only need 2 or 3 leeks, which you slice and cook with a mixture of butter and oil in a large pan until soft. You then add in the risotto rice and stir round for a couple of minutes, then add the stock a little at a time (just like an ordinary risotto)until it is fluffy and creamy. Add in a bit of parmesan or cheddar and there it is. Delicious! (If you need proper quantities, just let me know).
    Enjoy your leeks, however you cook them. Yum!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Ellie.

    I found Nigel's recipe on the internet. It is on the list to try.

    ReplyDelete
  4. We're just starting out on our allotment. I'm sure your leek bake tasted even better for being home grown. xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your leeks are amazing. Happy New Year to you too x

    ReplyDelete