Spring Greens And Leek Gratin Food

LEEK AND SPRING ONION GRATIN

Steps:

• Place a rack in the top third of oven and heat to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, toss scallions, green garlic, salt and pepper.
• Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Arrange the leeks cut-side down in the skillet, then scatter spring onions in the gaps. Sprinkle a little more salt on top, then spread scallion mixture in an even layer in pan. Pour in 1/4 cup water and top with butter.
• Cover and and simmer on low heat until vegetables are soft, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Uncover the pan, turn heat to medium-high and cook until liquid is evaporated and edges are starting to brown and sizzle, 5 to 10 minutes longer.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, rub together anchovies, Parmesan, panko, thyme, lemon zest and red pepper flakes. Drizzle in oil and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle Gruyère evenly into skillet over leeks, pour in cream, then top with the bread crumb mixture. Drizzle with a little more oil. Transfer to oven and bake until golden and bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool slightly, then serve warm.

SPRING GREENS AND LEEK GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in an ovenproof 10" skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-low heat. Add leeks and ramp bulbs and cook, stirring often, until leeks are softened, about 10 minutes. (Try to keep the leeks from browning.)
• Add ramp greens, arugula, and spinach in big handfuls, cooking and wilting one batch before adding the next. (At first it will look like all those greens will never fit in the skillet, but keep at it-you'll see!) When all greens are wilted (this may take 15-20 minutes), add coriander, salt, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, until spices are incorporated, about 1 minute. Add lemon zest, cream, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Continue to cook, stirring, until cream has slightly reduced, about 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
• Toss bread with oil in a large bowl to coat. Arrange bread on top of vegetables, taking care not to cover the greens completely (you want them to peek through here and there). Sprinkle remaining 2 Tbsp. Parmesan over.
• Transfer to oven and bake gratin until bread is golden brown and crisp, cheese is melted, and cream is bubbling, 35-45 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

LEEKS AU GRATIN

Steps:

• Quarter eggs lengthwise.
• Arrange in a single layer in broiler-safe 2 qt round dish.
• Set aside.
• Remove green portion from leeks, and halve lengthwise.
• Wash thoroughly, and pat dry.
• Remove the roots, and cut the leeks lengthwise into thin strips (julienne).
• Heat 4 tbs of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add leek strips.
• Cook leeks until tender, stirring occasionally.
• Spoon leeks over eggs in dish.
• Melt remaining 2 tbs butter in a skillet.
• Whisk in flour.
• Add milk, cook until thickened and bubbly.
• Whisk in 1/4 cup of the white cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and the cayenne pepper.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Pour the sauce over the leeks and eggs in dish.
• Sprinkle with remaining white cheddar cheese.
• Bake uncovered about 10 minutes in 450 oven, or until the edges are bubbly and the top begins to brown.