Leeks with Toasted Cheese Sauce Recipe
Description: Leeks, beloved in the UK as a winter vegetable, are elevated to a new level of comfort with the addition of a creamy cheese sauce. This recipe, inspired by Good Housekeeping, is a traditional yet indulgent way to savor the flavorful leeks. Opt for smaller leeks for a more tender texture.
- Cuisine: European, Welsh
- Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: Welsh, European, Less than 60 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 292.8 per serving
- Fat: 14.3g
- Saturated Fat: 8.7g
- Cholesterol: 36.5mg
- Sodium: 427.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 32.3g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 6.9g
- Protein: 10.9g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 700g | Leeks |
| – | Salt |
| – | Ground black pepper |
| 25g | Butter |
| 25g | Plain white flour |
| 124g | Cheese (soft) |
| 15g | Parmesan cheese |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Leeks:
- Place the leeks in a pan of cold salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
-
Reserve Cooking Liquid:
- Drain the leeks and reserve 300ml (1/2 pint) of the cooking liquid.
-
Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and mix until smooth.
- Blend in the reserved cooking liquid and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
- Add the soft cheese, season with salt and pepper, and return to the boil.
-
Assemble and Grill:
- Arrange the cooked leeks in a shallow flameproof dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the leeks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
-
Grill:
- Place the dish under a preheated grill until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve the Leeks with Toasted Cheese Sauce immediately, savoring the comforting aroma and creamy texture.
This delightful dish combines the earthy sweetness of leeks with the rich, creamy goodness of cheese sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly winter nights or any time you crave a comforting yet elegant vegetable dish. Enjoy the taste of tradition with this easy-to-make recipe! 🧀🌿
