Roasted Baby Leeks With Thyme Food

ROASTED LEEKS

Steps:

• Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Cut: Remove the dark green portion of the leeks, then cut in half lengthwise (you can cut off the longer roots, but keep the main root bulb intact). Rinse each half well under cool water to remove any dirt that may be lodged inside the leek.
• Flavor: Place leeks cutside down in a large casserole dish. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, rubbing to evenly coat.
• Cook: Cover the pan with foil and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the foil, flip leeks cutside up, and sprinkle parmesan over them. Continue cooking uncovered for 15 to 25 minutes, or until leeks are tender.
• Serve: Serve leeks warm, optionally topped with lemon zest or your favorite spices.

BRAISED BABY LEEKS

Steps:

• Wash and trim the ends and roots of the baby leeks. Heat a knob of butter in a large frying pan, and add the leeks. Roll them around to coat them in the butter.
• Add the chicken stock, bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer and add the thyme. Cook for 20 mins or until tender. Serve with a sprinkling of thyme leaves.

ROASTED LEEKS AND CARROTS RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Peel the carrots and leeks. Cut into big chunks and place in a large baking tray.
• Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter over the vegetables. Add the dry white wine, honey and 4 sprigs fresh thyme. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir well to combine.
• Roast for 40 mins, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and charred around the edges.

MUSHROOM AND LEEK SOUP WITH THYME CREAM

Steps:

• Using electric mixer, beat cream just until soft peaks form. Fold in 2 teaspoons thyme. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours to blend flavors. (Thyme cream can be made up to 1 day ahead. If cream separates, whisk until soft peaks re-form. ) Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before serving to come to room temperature.
• In 4-quart stock pot over moderately high heat, heat 2 tablespoons butter until hot but not smoking. Working in 2 batches (add 2 more tablespoons butter before second batch), cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer to large bowl.
• In same stock pot over moderate heat, heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in leeks, cover, and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add cooked mushrooms, sprinkle with flour, and stir until flour is evenly distributed. Stir in stock, then salt, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon thyme. Bring to boil, stirring often, then reduce heat to low, set lid ajar, and simmer 20 minutes. (Soup can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated, covered. Reheat before serving.)
• Divide soup among 8 bowls and top each portion with dollop of thyme cream. Serve immediately.

BUTTERY LEEKS WITH PARMESAN AND THYME

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Trim dark-green tops and root ends from leeks and discard; halve lengthwise. Remove thick, tough outer layers (2 to 4 total, depending on size), discarding or reserving for another use. Thoroughly wash and drain leeks, keeping them intact. Arrange in a snug single layer, cut sides up, in a broiler-safe baking dish or skillet.
• In a small saucepan, boil wine 30 seconds. Add broth and return to a boil; season generously with salt and pepper. Pour mixture over leeks, then sprinkle with butter and thyme. Cover dish with parchment-lined foil.
• Roast 45 minutes. Uncover and continue roasting until leeks are very soft and broth mixture is reduced by half, 20 to 22 minutes.
• Switch oven to broil. Sprinkle leeks with cheese. Broil 6 to 8 inches from heating element until bubbly and browning in places, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm, with some of braising liquid.

TENDER BRAISED LEEKS

Steps:

• Trim the darkest green part off the leeks and strip away the first two layers. Cut in half lengthways, but keep attached at the root. Wash the leeks under cold running water and set aside. Tip all the other ingredients, except the olives and parsley, into a wide shallow pan with 200ml water, some cracked pepper and a sprinkling of salt.
• Slip the leeks into the pan, cover and place over a low heat. Gently simmer for 20 mins, turning them occasionally until very tender - a knife blade should slip in easily. Leave to cool until just warm, then stir through the parsley and olives, if you like. Serve the leeks as they are with crusty bread or with roast chicken or fish.

CREAMED LEEKS WITH BACON & THYME

Steps:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the bacon for 5 mins, then turn down the heat, add the white wine and simmer to a glaze. Add the double cream and reduce by half. Add the leeks and simmer for 10 mins, then stir in the thyme leaves, cheddar and season.