Sautéed Spinach And Leeks Food

LEEKS & SPINACH

Steps:

• Trim the leeks, leaving only the white and pale green parts.
• Slice them in half lenthwise, then in short slices crosswise.
• Wash them again and drain them well.
• In a large skillet, saute the leeks in the butter until they soften and begin to fall apart, then stir in the flour.
• Add the stock and season lightly with salt and nutmeg stirring well.
• Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, wash the spinach and pick it over.
• Drain it well and chop it finely.
• Add the spinach to the leeks and simmer for a further 5 minutes, stirring to ensure the spinach is evenly cooked.

SAUTEED SPINACH

Steps:

• Remove the spinach stems. Tear the leaves into large pieces. Fill a large bowl with cold water and wash the spinach. Repeat 2 or 3 times until the spinach is thoroughly cleaned. Drain.
• In a large skillet, heat half the oil over medium heat, add the garlic and stir until it begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Remove the garlic and discard. Add the spinach in batches, stirring to wilt, before adding more. When all the spinach has been added, raise the heat to high, season with salt and pepper, and cook, covered, for 3 minutes. Drain the spinach in a colander. Return spinach to the skillet to heat through. Serve in a medium bowl, drizzled with the remaining oil and garnished with lemon wedges, if desired.

BUTTERED PEAS & LEEKS

Steps:

• Gently soften the leeks in butter and oil in your largest pan for 15-20 mins until almost meltingly soft. You can soften the leeks up to a day ahead, then just reheat in the pan before continuing the recipe. Stir in the stock, bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins. Stir in the peas and spring onions for 3-5 mins more until the peas are defrosted and cooked through, then season and serve.

CHEESY LEEK & SPINACH PASTA

Steps:

• Melt the butter with the oil in a large pan, tip in the leeks and splash in a little hot water. Cover and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until no longer squeaky.
• While the leeks are cooking, boil the penne in salted water according to the packet instructions. Meanwhile, tip the crème fraîche, sundried tomatoes and mustard into the leeks, add three-quarters of the cheese and season well. Stir until the cheese melts. Take off the heat.
• Drain the pasta, reserving the cooking water. Tip the pasta into the sauce and stir, adding enough cooking water to make the sauce coat the pasta. Stir in the spinach, a big handful at a time, until it wilts, splashing in a little more water if needed. Toss in the remaining cheese and serve.