Leek Caerphilly Crumble Tart Food

LEEK & CAERPHILLY CRUMBLE TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Roll out the pastry and use to line a 23cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Prick the base with a fork, and line with baking parchment and baking beans. Bake blind for 12 mins, then remove the beans and parchment. Return to the oven for a further 5 mins until pale golden. Reduce oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Meanwhile, make the filling. Melt the butter in a large pan and, when foaming, add the leeks, cover and cook on a low heat for 20 mins until soft. Leave to cool.
• Beat together the eggs, cream, milk, mustard, Caerphilly and some seasoning. Evenly cover the base of the pastry case with the leeks, then pour in the egg mixture. Bake for 25 mins.
• To make the topping, combine all the ingredients. Remove the tart from the oven and sprinkle the topping evenly over. Return to the oven and bake for a further 15 mins until golden brown.

LEEK TART

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Line a 9-inch pie pan with dough. Clean and trim leeks, and julienne. Melt the butter, add leeks and season and cook covered over medium to low heat for 20 minutes until softened. Mix the eggs and cream and all but 1/4 cup of the cheese and add the cooled leeks. Pour into pie shell, top with cheese and bake for 40 minutes.
• BRAISED LEEKS
• In an 8-inch skilled saute leeks in butter. Add chicken broth to almost cover. Cover pan, and to cook for about 20 minutes, until tender. Remove leeks to a platter. Reduce cooking liquid, pour over platter of leeks and garnish with fresh thyme.
• FRIZZLED LEEKS
• Heat oil to hot, but not smoking. Toss julienned leeks with some flour in a bowl. Add to hot oil and fry. Can be used as a garnish.

LEEK AND CAERPHILLY CHEESE CRUMBLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200C/gas 6
• Slice the leeks into thick circles (no larger than 2cm) and place in a large saucepan with the stock, cream and mustard.
• Cook gently for 15 minutes until leeks start to soften.
• Transfer to a ceramic baking dish, saving 2 or 3 tbsp of the stock mixture.
• Place the breadcrumbs, nuts and parsley in a food processor and blend together until finely chopped.
• Scatter the crumble and cheese over the leeks and drizzle the remaining stock mixture over the top.
• Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until starting to turn crisp and golden. If necessary finish under the grill.

CREAMED LEEK TART

Steps:

• Pulse the flour and butter in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Add the egg yolk and water, and bring together into a ball. Do not knead. Roll the pastry in cling film and chill for at least 1 hr.
• Meanwhile, heat the butter in a pan, then add the leeks. Cook over a low heat for 20-25 mins until soft, stirring often. Season to taste. Stir in the flour, cook for 3-4 mins, stirring, then stir in the milk and cream. Once smooth, simmer for 15 mins to cook out the flour. Season well, then cool. If making ahead, cover the surface with cling film and chill for up to 2 days. Stir the eggs and egg yolks into the mix, along with the grated cheese and the mustard.
• Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 5mm/¼in thick, and gently lay it over a 23cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Using a small ball of pastry to help, gently press the pastry into the sides of the tin. Trim, leaving a slight overhang. Line the pastry with baking paper, fill with baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans and paper, and bake for 10 mins more or until golden and biscuity. Cool on a wire rack. Turn oven down to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Spoon the leek mix into the case and smooth the top. Bake for 30 mins until set and golden. Rest the tart for 15-20 mins before you slice it, and serve warm. If making ahead, chill the tart. Once cooled, for up to 2 days, or freeze for a week. Defrost in fridge, then warm in the oven for 20 mins before serving.