Grilled Leeks with Fresh Herb Infusion
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Leeks (cleaned, trimmed) | 1 kg |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 6 tbsp |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh mint | 10 leaves |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Fresh dill | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh rosemary | To taste |
| Balsamic vinegar | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the leeks: Begin by cleaning the leeks. Cut off the roots and the tough, dark green leaves, leaving the tender white and light green parts. Make a shallow incision along the length of each leek to help them cook evenly. You should end up with about 650g of tender leek hearts.
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Rinse the leeks: Wash the prepared leeks thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once clean, immerse them in a pot of water and cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
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Drain the leeks: After cooking, remove the leeks from the water and place them in a colander to drain off any excess moisture. Let them rest for a moment to ensure they are thoroughly dried.
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Grill the leeks: Heat a non-stick grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the drained leeks onto the grill, turning them occasionally, and cook for about 10 minutes or until they develop beautiful char marks and become tender yet still retain some bite.
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Prepare the herb infusion: While the leeks are grilling, wash and finely chop the fresh herbs—mint, parsley, dill, and rosemary. Set them aside.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk the mixture gently with a fork until it emulsifies and forms a smooth, flavorful dressing.
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Assemble the dish: Once the leeks are perfectly grilled, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the aromatic olive oil dressing generously over the warm leeks, ensuring they are coated evenly with the herb-infused oil.
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Let the leeks rest: Allow the leeks to marinate in the flavorful oil for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This resting period enhances the flavors and allows the leeks to absorb the aromatic dressing.
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Serve and enjoy: After the leeks have marinated, serve them as a delightful side dish, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired. The smoky, tender leeks combined with the vibrant herb infusion make this dish a standout accompaniment to any meal.
Enjoy the fresh, earthy flavors of grilled leeks enhanced with the bright, herbaceous notes of mint, parsley, dill, and rosemary. This simple yet sophisticated side dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a variety of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, delicious meal.
