I have to admit, since I have never had this dish, I was a bit skeptical about the recipe. Even as I made it and assembled it I was not impressed, that is, until I bit into it and realized it was absolutely perfect. I highly recommend making this dish exactly to the specifications in the recipe as the end result is that wonderful culmination of ingredients and techniques that yields something much greater than the sum of its parts.
Poireaux Vinaigrette (Marinated Leeks with Herbs)
The origins of leeks vinaigrette—poached leeks in a mustardy dressing—are unknown, but it's easy to imagine someone pulling them out of the stockpot once they had worked their magic, then seasoning them. As a Paris bistro owner put it, "Leeks have all the advantages: They're nourishing, cheap, and tasty."—Megan Wetherall, from "Poor Man's Riches" (August/September 2003)
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Credit: Todd Coleman
INGREDIENTS
8 medium leeks, trimmed of tough green partsKosher salt, to taste
5 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Freshly ground white pepper, to taste
7 tbsp. peanut oil
8 sprigs parsley
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Starting about 1" above root end, slice leeks lengthwise, but not all the way through. Open leeks like a book and wash well in cold running water to remove all sand and dirt. Bring a 12" deep-sided skillet of salted water to a boil, add leeks, and cook over medium heat until soft but not mushy, about 6 minutes. Transfer leeks to a large bowl of ice water to stop them from cooking further. Carefully split leeks completely in half lengthwise, and transfer to a rack, cut side down, to drain thoroughly.2. Whisk vinegar, mustard, and salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Gradually add oil, whisking constantly, until vinaigrette is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasonings and set aside. Remove leaves from 4 of the parsley sprigs, chop leaves, and set aside.
3. Divide leek halves equally among 4 warm salad plates. Drizzle vinaigrette over leeks, and sprinkle with chopped parsley and egg. Garnish each plate with a sprig of parsley.
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Ratings & Reviews (1)
Poireaux Vinaigrette (Marinated Leeks with Herbs)
Reviewed by CYN F on
.
I have to admit, since I have never had this dish, I was a bit skeptical about the recipe. Even as I made it and assembled it I was not impressed, that is, until I bit into it and realized it was absolutely perfect. I highly recommend making this dish exactly to the specifications in the recipe as the end result is that wonderful culmination of ingredients and techniques that yields something much greater than the sum of its parts.
Rating: 5
