A Dish of Tender Leeks – Poireaux en Vinaigrette

This easy recipe for Provencal tender leeks in a simple vinaigrette. The markets of Provence are a bit like a food-filled treasure hunt. The produce changes with the seasons and even within the region local specialties might not be found outside a limited geography. Spring is like the time when you can expect (just like in your garden) the young shoots of fresh salads, green onions, asparagus and lovely leeks, in the markets.

According to Saveur Magazine,

“Spring leeks tend to be on the smaller, paler side, which means they’re more tender. Look for taught greens and avoid bulging bulbs. Always check the white parts: You want them to have a little give. If they’re completely hard, they’ve got woody cores and won’t soften no matter how long you cook them (though they’re fine for making stock).”

Poireaux en Vinaigrette

This is a simple side dish that proves the best way to enhance flavours is to limit the ingredients.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine French, Provencal

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 bunch leeks tender
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 3 anchovy fillets rinsed
• 1 handful basil
• 1 handful flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
• 1 splash lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Trim and thoroughly rinse the leeks.
• Pat dry.
• Bring a big pot of water to the boil, cook leeks for about 5 minutes, then refresh in ice water.
• Pat dry.
• Wash and finely chop the herbs.
• Melt the butter, stir in the anchovy fillets until they melt, add the finely chopped herbs and a good splash of lemon juice.
• Dress the leeks in an ovenproof dish, cover with the vinaigrette, place in a preheated oven until warmed through.

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Barbara Schuerenberg

Barbara Schuerenberg says, “I always joke that I learned to cook out of self-defence as our mother was a terrible cook.” Clearly, she was successful in that pursuit as she ran a cooking school called Cuisine de Provence (closed in 2020) in Vaison la Romaine. Look for "Tastes of Provence" from Barbara's kitchen in our recipes section.