Leeks With Spicy Pollen Breadcrumbs

• 4 leeks, trimmed and cleaned
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 big cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon honey (medium or dark is best)
• 3 - 4 tablespoons dry cider
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
• pinch of chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons pollen

1. Lay the leeks on a chopping board and cut in half lengthways.
2. Then cut across the middle of each half, so each leek produces 4 long, chunky semi-circular pieces.
3. Put the leeks, cut-side down, into a large, heavy-bottomed pan.
4. Dot with the butter and scatter over the chopped garlic.
5. Drizzle over the honey, pour in the cider and season with salt and pepper.
6. Scrunch up a piece of parchment paper slightly bigger than the diameter of the pan and wet it under the tap.
7. Put the paper over the leeks, pushing it down the edges so they are well covered.
8. Put a lid on the pan.
9. Bring just to a boil and immediately turn down the heat.
10. Leave to cook very slowly.
11. The leeks will be tender after 30 minutes but are best left for 1 hour or more.
12. Check occasionally that the bottom isn't burning and add a little more cider or water if necessary; it shouldn't be if the heat is very gentle.
13. While the leeks are cooking, prepare the breadcrumbs.
14. Melt the butter with the oil in a frying pan over a low heat.
15. Add the breadcrumbs, garlic, chili and orange zest and season with salt and pepper.
16. Fry gently for 2 minutes, until beginning to crisp and brown, stirring often, adding the parsley after 1 minute.
17. Turn off the heat and put to one side.
18. When the leeks are cooked, put them in a serving dish and scatter over the breadcrumbs.
19. Sprinkle the pollen over just before serving.

leeks, unsalted butter, garlic, honey, dry cider, salt, unsalted butter, olive oil, fresh breadcrumbs, clove garlic, chili flakes, orange zest, fresh parsley, pollen

Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/leeks-with-spicy-pollen-breadcrumbs-recipe/ (may not work)