Brazilian Leeks Food

BRAISED LEEKS

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, trim most of the roots off the end of the leek, leaving enough so that the leek remains attached at the bottom. Cut each leek lengthwise into halves and then cut each half into inch long pieces. Soak leeks in a large bowl of cool water to allow any dirt to settle to the bottom.
• In a saute pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks to the skillet. Cook the leeks, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with thyme and cook one minute more.
• Add stock, reduce heat to medium low. Braise the leeks, covered, for about 10 minutes, or until the leeks are very tender. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

BRAZILIAN LEEKS

Steps:

• Sweet Balsamic Reduction:.
• Put the balsamic vinegar and sugar into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and simmer until the vinegar is reduced to 3 or 4 tablespoons. It should be the consistency of warmed honey and will have a caramelized sweet-tart flavor. This takes approximately 10 minutes. (You can refrigerate and store this reduction for up to 2 weeks.).
• Leeks:.
• Trim the leeks and cut them in half lengthwise. Under running water, use your fingers to gently pull open the layers of the leeks to rinse away the sand. Shake the excess water off. Thinly slice the leeks lengthwise into long, thin strips.
• Heat the oil and butter in a large skiller over low heat. When the butter has melted, add the leeks. If you can't add all the leeks at one time, add them in batches and use tongs to turn them gently as they cook, bringing the leeks on the bottom of the pan to the top as they reduce in volume -- this will make more room.
• Once all of the leeks have been added, cook gently, stirring occasionally until they are soft enough to be twirled on a fork like spaghetti! This should take approximately 18 to 10 minutes. Add a little more butter or oil if needed.
• Serve, drizzling a little of the reduced balsamic vinegar over each portion.

BRAZILIAN LEEKS

Steps:

• Trim the leeks and cut them in half lengthwise. Run them under cold running water, using your fingers to gently pull open the layers to rinse away the sand. Shake the excess water from the leeks and use a sharp knife to thinly slice the leeks lengthwise into long, thin strips.
• In a large skillet, heat the oil and butter over low heat. When the butter is melted, add the leeks. If you cannot add all the leeks at once, add them in batches and use tongs to gently turn them as they cook, bringing the leeks on the bottom of the pan to the top as they reduce in volume to make more room.
• Once all of the leeks have been added to the pan, cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they are soft enough to be twirled on a fork like spaghetti, 18 to 20 minutes. Add a little more butter or oil if necessary.
• Serve, drizzling a little reduced balsamic vinegar over each portion, if desired.

TURKISH LEEKS

Steps:

• Trim the leeks.
• Remove a few of the outer layers.
• Slice 3/4 inch thich; discard the tough green leaves.
• Wash several times in plenty of water and drain.
• In a heavy pan heat the olive oil.
• Stir in the leeks and carrots.
• Cover and cook 30 minutes over low heat, shaking the pan occasionally.
• Stir in the rice, sugar, salt, juice of 1/2 lemon and water.
• Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until leeks are tender.
• Check the liquid level and add hot water in very small quantities if necessary.
• When cooked it should be very moist but not watery.
• Serve cold sprinkled with lemon juice to taste.
• Like all cold olive oil dishes it is very good with crusty bread.