Runner Beans Charred Leeks With Vinaigrette Food

RUNNER BEANS & CHARRED LEEKS WITH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a frying pan of salted boiling water to the boil, reduce to a simmer, add the leeks and cover with a cartouche (a piece of baking parchment with a hole in the middle). Cook for 4-5 mins until tender and a deeper green, then remove from the water with a slotted spoon (keeping the water at a simmer) and dry in a clean tea towel.
• Add the runner beans to the water, cook for 2-3 mins until tender, then drain and set aside.
• Heat a griddle pan over a high heat and toss the leeks in 1/ 2 tbsp olive oil and some seasoning. Griddle for a couple of mins each side until charred. Transfer to a chopping board and slice into lengths the same size as the runner beans.
• To make the vinaigrette, pound the anchovy using a pestle and mortar (or whizz in a blender), add the chilli flakes, Dijon, red wine vinegar and sugar and combine. Whisk in the remaining olive oil, season, then stir in the herbs.
• Put the runner beans and leeks in a large bowl. Pour over the vinaigrette, toss in the spring onions, then scatter over the seeds.

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil and season liberally with salt.
• Trim the leeks at the root ends, keeping the leeks intact. Cut the leeks where the light green meets the darker green. Save the darker green section for stock. Split the leeks in half lengthwise, again leaving the roots intact. Put the leeks in a large bowl of water and let it sit for a minute. Rinse the dirt from the insides of the leeks by lightly separating the layers and allowing the water to wash the dirt out. Tie the leeks in 3 places with butcher's twine to hold shut.
• Add the leeks to the pot of water and let it come back to a simmer. Boil the leeks until they are very tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer them to paper towels and remove the twine. Separate each leek into 2 halves.
• In a small bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, mustards, garlic, shallots and salt and pepper. Spread some of the vinaigrette on the bottom of an 8-inch square dish.
• While the leeks are still warm, remove the outer layer of each; lay the leeks cut-side down in the vinaigrette in the dish. Spoon the remaining vinaigrette over the leeks. Cover and chill the leeks in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.
• Arrange the leeks on a platter and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Garnish with the hazelnuts, eggs and chives. Drizzle more vinaigrette over the leeks and serve.

CHARRED LEEKS WITH QUICK-PICKLED CHILES AND PEACH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Split the leeks in half. Run the cut sides under water, fanning the layers to remove any trapped silt or sand. Cut the leek halves into 2-inch pieces. Place the leeks in a colander to dry.
• Add the peaches and chiles to a mason jar with a lid. Heat the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, cloves, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour the vinegar mixture into the jar with the peaches. Leave the jar uncovered to come to room temperature while you cook the leeks.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the leeks to the oil cut-side up. Cook until the leeks crisp and char, about 3 minutes. Flip, cover and cook until the leeks brown on the cut sides and begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Remove the leeks to a serving platter.
• Measure 2 tablespoons of the pickling liquid into a measuring cup, jar or small bowl. Whisk in the lime juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Spoon a few peaches and chiles over the leeks, then pour over the dressing and sprinkle with mint. Serve immediately.

LEEKS WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Game Plan: Make the vinaigrette while the leeks cook.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously. Trim the root end of the leeks, leaving enough to hold the leaves together, and halve lengthwise. Rinse very well under running water to flush out any grit trapped between the leaves. Add the leeks to the boiling water and cook until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer the leeks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pat dry and lay them on a serving platter.
• Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar, mustard, water, and the 3/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over leeks, turn them to coat, and scatter the parsley and the tarragon, if using, over the top. Serve immediately or up to 2 hours later at room temperature.

RUNNER BEAN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Put the eggs into a pan of cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 minutes.
• Put the beans into a steamer or heatproof colander, cover and steam over the egg pan for 4 to 5 minutes or until just tender and very bright green.
• Meanwhile, whisk the dressing ingredients together and season with salt and pepper.
• Cool the eggs under cold water, then peel.
• Heat a frying pan and add the olive oil.
• When hot, tip in the bread crumbs and whole garlic clove.
• Stir for about 3 minutes until toasted and golden, and just infused with the garlic.
• Chop the eggs, chives and anchovies and mix together.
• Toss the beans with the dressing while still warm, then scoop onto a serving dish.
• Top with the anchovy mix and the crumbs, then spoon over any dressing left in the bowl.