Elizabeths Braised Leeks With Parmesan
- 6 leeks, not too thick if possible
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, like sauvignon blanc
- 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan, freshly grated (1/3 cup)
- Cut the ends and the dark green leaves of the leeks, and cut in half lengthwise.
- Place in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, then run under the faucet to remove any sand that may be lingering in between the layers.
- Peel off thick outer layers and discard.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy skillet that will accommodate all of the leeks in one layer.
- Place the leeks in the pan, cut side down, and cook, shaking the pan and moving them around with tongs, until they are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Using tongs, turn the leeks over and cook on the other side until they are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Turn the leeks back over so that the cut side is down.
- Peel off the outer layers if they are papery, as they will not soften when the leeks are braised.
- Pour in the wine and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan, then add enough water or stock to come just to the top of the leeks.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the leeks are thoroughly tender when pierced with a knife.
- Most of the liquid should have evaporated by this time.
- Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
- Transfer the leeks to an oiled ovenproof pan if your skillet cannot go under the broiler.
- Using tongs, turn the leeks so that the flat side is up.
- If there is still a lot of liquid in the pan, pour it off.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan over the leeks.
- Place under the hot broiler until the cheese has melted and is beginning to color.
- Remove from the heat and serve.
leeks, extra virgin olive oil, salt, white wine, parmesan
Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12667 (may not work)