Creamy leeks recipe: savory wine sauce recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, food lovers! Today, I’ll be sharing with you a recipe that will transport your taste buds to the beautiful countryside of France – my Leeks with Creamy Wine Sauce Recipe.
Leeks are underrated vegetables that add a delicate sweetness and delightful crunch to any dish they’re added to. And when paired with a creamy white wine sauce, they become absolutely irresistible.
This dish is perfect for those cozy dinner nights when you want something comforting yet elegant on your plate. The combination of tender leeks cooked in butter, chicken stock, and dry white wine sauce, together with a touch of creme fraiche, garlic, and fresh parsley will have you longing for seconds.
But not only is this recipe delicious, it’s also easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. So even the most novice home cooks can create this impressive dish and impress their guests.
So put on your apron, grab your cooking utensils, and let’s get started on making this mouth-watering Leeks with Creamy Wine Sauce Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old vegetable side dishes? Do you want to impress your dinner guests with a rich and decadent addition to your meal? Look no further than this Leeks with Creamy Wine Sauce recipe.
The combination of tender and flavorful leeks, mixed with a creamy and tangy white wine sauce, will make your taste buds dance with delight. The addition of garlic, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce add depth and complexity to the sauce. And the finishing touch of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightens up the whole dish.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish to chicken or fish, or make it the star of the show by serving it over pasta. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor or indulgence.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try this dish for yourself and see why it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients needed to make this delicious leeks with creamy wine sauce recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 medium leeks (white & light green parts only), sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
For the Creamed Leeks:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup creme fraiche or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the White Wine Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
Other Ingredients:
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Garlic, minced
- Kosher salt, to season
- Black pepper, freshly ground to season
These ingredients can be easily found in grocery stores or supermarkets. You are ready to make some delicious, creamy and tender leeks!
The Recipe How-To
Ingredients:
- 3 medium leeks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup creme fraiche
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Cut the dark green leaves off the top of the leek, slice off the root end, and cut each leek in half lengthwise.
- Slice each leek half into thin strips crosswise until you reach the light green part.
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the butter to melt.
- Add the sliced leeks to the sauté pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender but still firm.
- Pour in the white wine, chicken stock, and bring everything to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the creme fraiche, lemon juice, and parsley to pan with the cooked leeks and stir together.
- Continue heating everything over low heat until everything is hot.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes:
- Make sure to thoroughly clean any dirt from between the layers of the leeks before slicing them.
- The final result should be a creamy leek mixture that resembles a pasta sauce in texture.
- If you want a spicier version of this recipe, add a few drops of Tabasco sauce when seasoning.
Now that you have your delicious Creamy Wine Sauce Leeks recipe ready to be devoured, it’s time to learn some great pairing ideas for it in the next section.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up in this recipe and try something new? Here are some options for substitutions and variations:
– Butter: If you don’t have butter on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of olive oil or coconut oil.
– Leeks: If you can’t find leeks, you can use onions or scallions as an alternative. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will differ slightly.
– White Wine: Any dry white wine will work great in this recipe. If you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth, or even apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
– Chicken Stock: Similarly, vegetable stock or even water can be used as a substitute for chicken stock if need be.
– Creme Fraiche: This creamy dairy product can be substituted with heavy cream, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Each substitute will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish so choose wisely!
– Heat Level: For those who like it spicy, consider adding a few dashes of Tabasco sauce or red pepper flakes to the dish for an added kick.
– Serving Suggestion: For a heartier meal, consider serving the creamed leeks over pasta or rice. You could also pair it with baked salmon fillet, Chilean sea bass, roast chicken breast, bacon, haddock or braised leeks.
With these substitutions and variations at your disposal, feel free to experiment with flavors and cater your meal to your liking.
Serving and Pairing
:
Serving:
Leeks with creamy wine sauce is an elegant dish that can be served as a side or as a main course. You can scoop the creamy leeks into a serving dish and garnish with some fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish tastes best when served hot, so make sure to serve it immediately.
Pairing:
The creamy wine sauce in this recipe makes it pair well with white wine, especially dry white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer red wines, an elegant Pinot Noir can be the perfect accompaniment for this leek dish. Its lightness enhances the creaminess of the sauce without overpowering it.
For meat lovers, roasted chicken breast, baked salmon fillet, bacon, haddock, and braised leeks are excellent options to serve alongside the leeks with creamy wine sauce. For a vegetarian option, you could serve it with angel hair pasta, mushrooms or even spinach.
Overall, whether serving it as a side dish or making it the star of tonight’s dinner, pairing this creamy and savory leek dish with your favorite wine and meal type will take your dining experience to new heights of delicacy and enjoyment.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy sommelier, I know the importance of make-ahead dishes that can be prepared in advance without losing any flavor. Luckily, this Leeks With Creamy Wine Sauce recipe is a perfect example of such a dish.
First, let’s start with make-ahead tips. You can make the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before you plan on serving it. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in your fridge until you’re ready to reheat.
When it comes to reheating, you have multiple options. You can either reheat the entire dish in the oven or microwave or reheat individual portions on the stovetop. If you choose to reheat the whole dish, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the covered dish in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, if you prefer to reheat individual portions or want to serve this dish as a side dish with another main course, simply add a bit of butter or oil to a pan over low heat and add your desired amount of leeks with creamy wine sauce. Heat them slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until they’re warm all the way through.
Finally, when it comes to storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just like with reheating, you can either reheat individual portions on the stovetop or heat up the whole dish in the oven.
Whether you choose to make this Leeks With Creamy Wine Sauce recipe ahead of time for a dinner party or simply want to save some leftovers for later, these tips will ensure that your meal is just as delicious when reheated as it was fresh from the stove.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that you get the perfect creamy wine sauce for your leeks, here are some essential tips to follow:
1. Use a dry white wine
For the best flavor, use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Avoid using sweet wines as this may overpower the delicate taste of the leeks.
2. Slice the leeks thinly and evenly
When slicing the leeks for the recipe, make sure that they are cut thinly and evenly. This will help to cook them evenly and will give a better texture to your dish.
3. Be careful not to overcook the leeks
When cooking your leeks, it is important to be cautious not to overcook them. The ideal cooking time is around 15 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture and an unappetizing appearance.
4. Thicken the creamy wine sauce slowly
To thicken the wine sauce, add the creme fraiche gradually and stir continuously until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help you avoid adding too much cream and ending up with a runny sauce.
5. Experiment with Substitutions
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different substitutions such as substituting chicken stock with vegetable stock or adding mushrooms to your dish. Small changes can bring mind-blowing flavors.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every time you make this delicious and versatile recipe of Leeks with Creamy Wine Sauce!
FAQ
Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about this Leeks With Creamy Wine Sauce Recipe.
How does Gordon Ramsay cook leeks?
To infuse a burst of flavors into your leeks, drizzle them with a mixture of soy, maple, sesame oil, and mirin. For an added depth of taste, sprinkle sliced garlic and a few bits of butter along the edges of the pan. Next, pour in just the right amount of stock to keep the leeks moist as they cook. Heat everything until it comes to a boil, and then transfer to the oven until the leeks turn a beautiful caramelized color and become tender enough to pierce with a knife.
How do you thicken creamy white wine sauce?
When preparing a creamy wine sauce, adding a bit of flour can help thicken the consistency. It works similar to a roux, but it’s a quicker option. Once the wine and cream have been simmering for three minutes, sprinkle in some flour and mix it in. Then, add Parmesan cheese to the mix and whisk it in until melted. The end result will be a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with dishes like grilled chicken or pasta.
Do you boil or fry leeks?
When it comes to prepping leeks for a dish, there are three main methods of cooking that work best – boiling, braising, or steaming. Slicing the leeks before cooking will allow them to cook thoroughly in just 5-7 minutes, while still retaining their firmness. For whole small leeks, plan for a longer cook time of 10-15 minutes to achieve the same level of tenderness. Once your leeks are cooked to perfection, top them off with a cheese sauce before popping them under a preheated grill for 5 minutes, or until they’re a beautiful, golden color.
How to make a white wine Sause?
To create a delicious sauté dish, heat up some olive oil in a spacious saucepan over medium heat before adding garlic and red pepper. Allow them to cook until they turn golden brown, which should take around a minute or so. Next, it’s time to make the sauce! Add some salt and pepper, as well as some wine and butter, to enhance the flavor further. Stir for roughly two minutes, then remove from heat. Finally, it’s time to toss in some pasta or protein like chicken breasts, shrimp, or scallops for a delectable meal.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this leeks with creamy wine sauce recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this dish can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re having pasta, salmon, baked salmon fillet, Chilean sea bass, roast chicken breast with bacon or haddock, this leeks recipe will make the perfect accompaniment. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used as a base for a wide range of dishes.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that is both nutritious and satisfying, then this leeks with creamy wine sauce recipe is definitely worth trying. You won’t regret it!
Leeks With Creamy Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter
- 6 -8 leeks
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup creme fraiche (make your own from the many recipes here on Zaar)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (or to taste)
Instructions
- Clean the leeks using your tried & true method or trim off the root end and about 1/4 inch of the white base. Remove any ragged, coarse outer leaves and discard. Trim each of the darkest portion of the leaves down to the light green, more tender portion, leaving about 2 inches of green. Slice the leeks down the center and rinse under cold running water to remove all dirt and sand, being careful to get in between the leaves. Drain on paper towels and proceed with recipe.
- Cut leeks in half lengthwise then cut into thin half moon slices. Place in a colander & rinse again. (leeks seem to be sand magnets).
- Melt butter in a saucepan or large frying pan. Add leeks, wine, salt & garlic. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken stock & continue cooking until leeks are soft, another 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat & stir in the creme fraiche, parsley, lemon juice & Tabasco.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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