Vegetable Recipes - Leeks a la Grecque Recipe

Ingredients

Serve 4

• 150 ml/1/4 pint dry white wine

• 150 ml/1/4 pint water

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• grated rind of 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 shallot or small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 small celery stick with leaves

• 1 parsley sprig

• 1 thyme sprig or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 6 peppercorns

• 6 coriander seeds or 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• 500 g/1 lb leeks

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Method:

1. Combine the wine and measured water in a large saucepan. Add all the other ingredients except the leeks.

2. Cover the pan, bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, trim the leeks so that each measures about 18 cm/7 inches long. Slit each leek along its length, open it out and flush out any grit under cold running water.

4. Place the leeks in the simmering liquid, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until tender.

5. Remove the leeks from the pan with a slotted spoon and place on a serving dish. Boil the remaining liquid to reduce to about 150 ml/1/4 pint.

6. Pour the liquid over the leeks, removing the herbs and spices if preferred, and leave to cool. Serve at room temperature.