Best Leeks Vinaigrette Recipes

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.

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.

FRENCH BRAISED LEEKS WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cut the root end off the leeks, as well as the dark green stem end, leaving just the white and light green portion. Split them lengthwise and remove the outer two layers. Wash thoroughly under running water, being careful to rinse between layers to remove any grit. Shake off the excess water.
• Rub the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with the softened butter, then lay the leeks, cut side down, in the pan. They should fit snugly in one layer across the pan. Pour the wine and Chicken Stock over the leeks, sprinkle with salt and a little pepper, then cover with waxed paper or parchment (which will keep the tops of the leeks moist), and bring the liquid to a boil.
• Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. Use a small spatula or tongs to turn the leeks once, halfway through the cooking process. When cooked, the leeks should be completely tender and not stringy. Turn them over once more, so the outer layers are facing up. To test doneness, I usually just peel off one or two outer layers, the last to get cooked, and sample them (if they are the least bit tough, cook for another 5 minutes).
• Remove pan from the heat and cool. If there are more than 2 tablespoons of juices left in the pan, remove the leeks to a serving platter and reduce the juices to 2 tablespoons. Reserve juices for the Dijon vinaigrette.
• Pour the dressing over the leeks and let sit for at least 10 minutes. These leeks are wonderful served warm or cold, but I like them best at room temperature.
• Dijon Vinaigrette
• Whisk together the shallot, mustard, vinegar, and pan juices in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. Trim dark-green tops from leeks, leaving root end intact. Remove tough outer layer. Starting 1" above root end, halve leeks lengthwise. Wash leeks, making sure to clean all sand from between layers. Dry slightly on paper towels.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil and butter in a large, deep ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook, turning occasionally, until light golden in spots, about 5 minutes. Add wine and cook until almost all liquid is absorbed, 3-4 minutes. Add 1 cup water, chicken stock, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Transfer skillet to oven. Bake until leeks are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk 1 tablespoon parsley, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
• Transfer leeks to a platter, drizzle with vinaigrette, top with eggs, and garnish with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.

GRILLED LEEKS WITH TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a bowl or jar, combine the vinegar, mustard and some salt and pepper. Whisk to combine, and then slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking. Set aside.
• Trim the roots off the leeks, leaving some of the root end intact so the leeks hold together. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise and rinse very well--they are usually pretty sandy and dirty.
• Add about 1 inch of water to a large pot over medium-high heat. Insert a steamer basket and set the leeks into the steamer. Cover and cook until softened and tender when the white end is pierced with a paring knife, about 5 minutes. Remove the leeks from the steamer, pat dry and transfer to a shallow dish. Brush with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat a grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Add the leeks, cut-side down, and cook until grill marks form, about 3 minutes. Flip and repeat. Remove to a serving platter, drizzle over some of the vinaigrette and sprinkle with the hazelnuts.

GRILLED LEEKS WITH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Trim the tough dark-green ends from leeks; discard, or set aside for another use. Trim root hairs; discard. Then, starting about 1/2 inch from the root end (which stays intact), slice each leek lengthwise from base to tip with a sharp knife. Rinse leeks thoroughly to remove sand.
• Fill a bowl with ice water; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt well, and add leeks. Blanch until leeks are very tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer leeks to the ice bath; submerge them immediately. Once the leeks are cold, drain them, pat them dry, and set them aside.
• In a small bowl, combine mustard and vinegar. Slowly drizzle oil into bowl, whisking to form a thick vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Lightly brush leeks with some vinaigrette, and arrange them on a medium-hot grill or grill pan. Grill leeks until they are hot and have grill marks, about 2 minutes per side. Remove leeks from grill, and toss with remaining vinaigrette. Serve.

ROASTED LEEKS AND POTATOES VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Combine the leeks and potatoes in a baking dish large enough for them to fit in a single layer. Toss with the white wine, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Cover the baking dish tightly, and place in the oven. Roast for 30 minutes. Uncover, raise the heat to 450 degrees, and return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the leeks and potatoes are tender but not mushy and just beginning to color. Remove from the heat, and add the remaining olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and additional salt and pepper if desired. Toss together and allow to cool.
• Put the hard-boiled eggs through a sieve, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange over the leeks and potatoes (I like to arrange the sieved egg in a wide stripe down the middle), sprinkle with parsley and serve.

STEAMED LEEKS & PEAS WITH HERBY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Trim the outer leaves from the leeks and cut off the top down to where the leaves split. Cut the leeks into 3-4 chunks, then wash really well to remove any grit. Heat a steamer, add the leeks and cook for 8 mins. Tip in the peas and cook for 2-3 mins more until both are tender.
• Meanwhile, whisk the oil, vinegar, honey, mustard and seasoning together in a serving bowl to make the vinaigrette. Add the hot vegetables and herbs, and mix well.

BROILED LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer. Prepare the leeks: Trim leeks of outer layer and roots. Cut crosswise to divide leeks into white bottoms and green tops (remove and discard the tough gray-green parts). Soak leeks in a large bowl of lukewarm water, swishing to dislodge sand. Lift from water and drain.
• Add the white pieces to the pot and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Using tongs, remove the white pieces, then cook the green pieces for 4 to 5 minutes. Both white and green pieces should be tender when probed with a paring knife. Blot dry. Transfer to a baking dish in one layer. Let cool.
• Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk in 6 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
• Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, thyme and Parmesan. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt and pepper; toss well. Spread crumbs on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp and golden. When cool, mix in 2 tablespoons parsley.
• Heat broiler. Brush leeks lightly with olive oil and place several inches from flame. Broil for about 5 minutes, until browned and lightly charred.
• Spoon vinaigrette evenly over leeks. Top with crumbs and egg. Sprinkle with remaining parsley. Serve warm.

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE WITH SIEVED EGG

Steps:

• Slice off the tangled root end and the thick, woody dark green top of each leek at the approximate same length. Wash the leeks vigorously under slow-running cold water, using your hands and fingers to scrape away insistent dirt and sand. Arrange them on a cutting board, and in one confident move, stab the tip of a sharp chef's knife into the leek 1/2 inch from the root end, and run it the rest of the length to the green top, in essence cleaving the leek starting from the white pale root, making two legs and a crotch, where only one thick column was to start. Back at the sink, wash again and again, keeping the leeks intact, but removing every single last grain of sand.
• Place the leeks in a shallow heatproof dish large enough to hold all of them snugly in a single layer. Barely cover leeks with water, leaving them, as we often say, bobbing in the water like crocodiles submerged at the river's edge. Season with salt, and scatter with the black peppercorns. Cover with parchment, being sure that the parchment is tucked in around all the edges of your casserole dish. Add a few spoonfuls of water evenly on top of the parchment - allowing the weight of the water to help hold down the parchment, which will start to dome from heat and condensation once the cooking starts. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, and hold it there until the leeks are tender without being mushy, with no raw, crunchy quality at all. The color will be drab on the exterior and still attractive halcyon at the centers. This may take 10 minutes, or even 20; you have to watch them.
• Remove the leeks from the water with a slotted spoon, and transfer to a clean rack, draining all of their cooking water. Once they have cooled completely, remove the outermost papery, inedible layers of the leek to reveal the tender interiors. Also pick out any black peppercorns that may be clinging inside the layers. Cut into quarters on a bias, and arrange attractively on a serving platter.
• For the vinaigrette, place the grated garlic, mustard and red wine vinegar in bowl. Add in a pinch of kosher salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• To assemble, dress the leeks generously with the vinaigrette. Push the egg whites through a fine-mesh sieve, followed by the yolks, over the leeks - exploiting the color contrast. Scatter with chopped parsley. And finish with a solid few grinds of black pepper. Serve at room temperature.

LEEKS AND TARRAGON IN DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place walnuts on a baking sheet.
• Trim ends of leeks around 1 to 2 inches from dark green tops and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds; rinse.
• Place leeks into a large pot of lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender yet firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toast walnuts in the preheated oven, tossing halfway through, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes; coarsely chop. Toss in a bowl with oil and salt. Drain leeks.
• Whisk vinegar, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, and garlic together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place leeks on a platter and drizzle on vinaigrette, toasted walnuts, tarragon, and pepper.

GRILLED LEEKS WITH HERBED VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Tie the leeks in 4 bundles with kitchen string, in a kettle of boiling salted water boil them for 6 minutes, or until they are just tender, and drain them in a colander. Refresh the leeks under cold water and discard the strings. Cut the leeks apart at the root ends and drain them on paper towels. (The leeks may be prepared up to this point 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled). Brush the leeks with the oil and grill them in batches in a heated oiled ridged grill them in batches in a heated oiled ridged grill pan over moderate heat or on an oiled rack set 4 to 5 inches over glowing coals for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden. Transfer the leeks as they are golden. Transfer the leeks as they are grilled to a platter and keep them warm, covered. (The leeks may be prepared up to the is point 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled. Reheat the leeks on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F. oven for 10 minutes, or until they are heated through.)
• Make the vinaigrette:
• In a bowl whisk together the mustard, the vinegar, and salt and black pepper to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified. Whisk in the herbs, the bell pepper, and the olives.
• Divide the leeks among 8 plates and spoon some of the vinaigrette over each serving.

GRILLED PEPPER CRUSTED T-BONE STEAKS WITH WORCESTERSHIRE-CHIVE BUTTER AND GRILLED LEEKS WITH HERBED VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the butter: Preheat grill or side burner. Heat oil in a medium skillet add shallots and garlic and cook until soft, let cool slightly. Place butter in a small bowl and add shallot mixture, Worcestershire, mustard and chives and mix until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Scrape mixture into the center of a piece of waxed paper and roll into a log. Refrigerate until firm.
• For the steaks: Preheat grill. Mix the peppercorns and ancho chile powder in a medium baking dish. Brush steaks with olive oil and season with salt. Dredge one side of the steaks in the pepper mixture and grill, pepper side down, until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes, turn over and continue grilling 6 to 7 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Remove from the grill and top with a slice of the butter.
• For the vinaigrette: Whisk together the mustard, vinegar, shallots and herbs. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• For the leeks: Preheat grill. Brush leeks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until just cooked through. Remove to a platter and drizzle with the vinaigrette.

LIGHT LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Trim tough, dark greens from leeks; discard. Halve leeks lengthwise, and cut off root ends, leaving as much of bulb intact as possible. Rinse each half under running water, carefully separating layers to loosen dirt.
• Place a steamer basket over a saucepan filled with water; simmer. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
• Place leeks in steamer basket, cover and steam, until very tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to bowl of ice water to cool; drain. Dry on paper towels, cut side down, patting gently.
• In a small bowl, whisk oil, mustards, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Arrange leeks on a platter; spoon vinaigrette over top.

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE WITH BURRATA CHEESE AND MUSTARD

Steps:

• For breadcrumbs:
• Preheat oven to 250°F. Toast mustard seeds in skillet over medium heat until beginning to darken and pop, about 5 minutes; transfer to bowl and cool. Grind seeds to powder in spice mill.
• Whisk whole grain mustard, wine, oil, and ground mustard seeds in medium bowl. Season mustard coating with salt and pepper. Toss bread pieces and coating in large bowl to coat evenly. Spread bread out on rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake bread pieces until dried and slightly colored, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool completely. Using potato masher, coarsely crush bread on sheet. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm in 350°F oven 4 to 5 minutes before using.
• For vinaigrette:
• Place first 3 ingredients in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature and rewhisk before using.
• For leeks:
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 450°F. Cut leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse under cold water to remove any grit between layers; drain on paper towels. Arrange leeks, cut side down, in single layer in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour broth over; drizzle with oil. Top with thyme sprigs and lemon slices. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
• Bake leeks 35 minutes. Uncover; discard lemon. Bake leeks uncovered until very tender and browned, and liquid is almost evaporated, about 50 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Serve or let stand up to 2 hours
• Arrange 2 leeks on each plate; sprinkle with vinaigrette, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Arrange cheese alongside.

LEEKS WITH SHALLOT CAPER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Trim leeks to about 5 inches and trim root ends, leaving them intact. Cut each leek in half lengthwise and wash well, discarding any tough outer leaves.
• In a skillet just large enough to hold them in one layer arrange leek halves, cut sides down, and add enough water to reach halfway up sides of leeks. Simmer leeks, covered, until tender, 5 to 10 minutes, and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice and cold water.
• In a small bowl whisk together vinegar, shallot, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste and add oil in a stream, whisking. Whisk vinaigrette until emulsified and whisk in capers and parsley.
• Transfer leeks to paper towels. Pat and gently squeeze leeks until dry and divide between 2 plates. Spoon vinaigrette over each serving.

SEA BASS WITH LEEKS, POTATOES AND BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Melt butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and chicken broth to skillet. Cover and simmer until leeks are tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover skillet and simmer until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place toasted baguette slices, rosemary, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1 tablespoon olive oil in processor. Using on/off turns, process until moist crumbs form.
• Place fish on baking sheet. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Spread 1/4 cup mustard atop fish, dividing equally. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs over each fillet, pressing gently to adhere. (Leeks and fish can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.)
• Whisk vinegar and 1 teaspoon mustard in small bowl. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set vinaigrette aside.
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, bake fish until opaque in center, about 20 minutes. Rewarm leek mixture in skillet over medium heat.
• Slice each potato crosswise into 5 rounds. Arrange potato slices in circle on plates. Spread 1/6 of leek mixture over potatoes on each plate. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Place fish atop leek mixture.

WARM LEEKS VINAIGRETTE (POIREAUX TIEDES EN VINAIGRETTE)

Steps:

• Whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly, until well combined; set aside.
• Trim leeks to about 6 inches, leaving only white and light-green parts. Trim roots, and cut leeks in half lengthwise. Wash well under cold running water to remove any dirt; set aside.
• Place a metal steamer basket in a large saucepan. Fill with water up to the bottom of the basket, and bring to a simmer. Add the leeks, cover, and steam until leeks are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove the leeks, and drain on paper towels to remove any water. Place leeks in bowl with vinaigrette, and toss to combine. Serve hot or at room temperature.

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cut off dark green tops of leeks and trim root ends. Halve each leek lengthwise to within 2 inches of root end. Rinse well under cold running water to wash away sand. Cover leeks with cold water in a 12-inch heavy skillet. Add salt and simmer leeks, uncovered, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Transfer leeks to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
• While leeks simmer, finely chop pancetta, then cook in 1 tablespoon oil over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Whisk together vinegar, mustard, remaining 1/4 cup oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl until emulsified. Add leeks and gently toss to coat. Serve topped with pancetta and parsley.

LEEKS WITH MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. With kitchen twine, tie leeks into two bundles, with green tops at the same ends. Add bundles to boiling water. Reduce heat, and simmer until leeks are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove leeks; rinse under cold water. Drain well, and gently pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
• Make vinaigrette: In a large bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, garlic, and basil. Slowly whisk in oil in a fine stream. Add salt and pepper.
• Gently toss leeks in the bowl with vinaigrette, coating well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.