Braised Leeks with Olive Oil and Rice
- 4 large or 8 medium leeks, about 2 pounds
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 small carrots, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup white long-grain rice
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Trim the hard green parts from the leeks; split in half from about an inch below the root end (leave this intact for now) to the leafy end.
- Carefully wash between all the layers, removing all traces of sand.
- Cut off the root end and cut the leeks into 4-inch sections.
- Put all but a tablespoon of the oil in a skillet with a lid or a saucepan large enough to hold the leeks in one layer.
- Turn the heat to medium.
- When the oil is hot, add the leeks and carrots, along with a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and cook for about 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the leeks are tender.
- Your goal is not to brown the leeks but to soften them; if they brown a little, however, thats fine.
- Add the rice and 1 1/2 cups of water, cover, and adjust the heat so the mixture simmers.
- Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the water is absorbed; the mixture should be moist but not soupy.
- Serve hot, at room temperature, or cold (this will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for a day, and can be reheated).
- Just before serving, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and the lemon juice.
- In step 2, omit the carrots.
- In step 3, omit the rice and add 1/2 cup pitted black olives, like Kalamatas.
- Use only 1/2 cup liquid and cook for only 5 to 10 minutes, until hot.
- Add the lemon juice at the end.
- You can use this formula with almost any braised vegetable: When the leeks are done, beat 2 eggs in a bowl with the minced or grated zest and juice of a lemon; still beating, add about 1/2 cup of the leek-cooking liquid.
- Gradually add the remaining cooking liquid, beating all the while.
- Dress the leeks with this sauce and serve.
leeks, extra virgin olive oil, carrots, salt, white longgrain rice, lemon
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/braised-leeks-with-olive-oil-and-rice-386179 (may not work)