Sephardic Leek And Cheese Casserole Food

SAUSAGE AND LEEK CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a heavy bottomed skillet on medium-high heat. Saute the leeks with a pinch of salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne. When the leeks are translucent raise the heat to high and add the sausage and cook for 8 minutes or until browned. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
• In a separate bowl whisk the eggs together with the cream, milk, the remaining cayenne, a pinch of black pepper and salt.
• Cut the baguette into cubes and put in the bottom of a 9 by 9-inch glass casserole dish. Sprinkle the bread with the Cheddar cheese. Pour the sausage and leek mixture and egg mixture on top. Top with pepper jack cheese. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• The next morning remove from refrigerator. Put in the middle of the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife is removed cleanly from the middle. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

SEPHARDIC LEEK AND CHEESE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F Oil a 9-inch square or 8 by 11inch baking dish or two 9-inch pie plates.
• In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and if using the onion and saute until softened about 10 minutes. Add the water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the table salt or 3 teaspoons kosher salt, cover and simmer until the leeks are tender about 15 minutes. Drain.
• In a large bowl, combinethe cheeses, eggs, oil, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt or 1 teaspoon kosher salt, pepper and if using the dill.
• Stir in leeks.
• Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Bake until set and golden brown, about 50 minutes.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Variations.
• W/potatos. Omit the cheese and cook 2 pounds peeled and diced russet potatoes with the leeks, mashing them together after draining. If desired add 1/2 cup grated kashkaval or parmesan cheese.
• W/Zucchini. use only 1 1/2 pounds leeks and add 2 cups (about 1 pound) grated zucchini with the water.
• W/potatos & zucchini. Omit cheese, add 2 pounds potatos and cut leeks to 1 1/2 pounds and add 2 cups zucchini. Add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. You can if you want add some feta still about 1/2 cup at the same point you'd add the other cheese.

SPINACH, LEEK, AND CHEESE PIE

Steps:

• 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 6 minutes. Add the leek, season with more salt and the pepper, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set in an ice bath to cool.
• 2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°F.
• 3. Generously coat an 8-inch round nonstick springform pan with butter and chill.
• 4. Sift together the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl; set aside.
• 5. Combine the yogurt, feta, onion-and-leek mixture, spinach, and dill in a large bowl. Add the eggs and stir to combine. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in the flour mixture and season with more salt and pepper. Pour into the prepared pan, gently tapping the sides to level the top.
• 6. Bake for 30 minutes. Increase heat to 425°F and bake until golden brown and set in the center, about 10 minutes more.
• 7. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes before unmolding.
• 8. Cut into wedges and serve.

CHEESY LEEKS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Tip the leeks into a steamer basket and steam for 6-8 mins until bright green and just becoming tender.
• Meanwhile, heat the butter and flour together in a saucepan, stirring until you have a thick paste. Add the milk, a splash at a time, stirring continuously until all the milk has been added. Cook for 2-3 mins more until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in most of the Yeo valley Organic mature cheddar, the mustard and some seasoning.
• Fold the steamed leeks into the cheese sauce, then tip everything into an ovenproof baking dish. Scatter over the breadcrumbs, thyme and remaining cheese, then bake for 20 mins until golden, crisp on top and bubbling at the edges. Leave to stand for 5 mins before serving.