Best 7 Classic Leeks Vinaigrette Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes can rival the timeless elegance and simplicity of classic leeks vinaigrette. This beloved dish, originating in the heart of French cuisine, has captivated taste buds for generations with its harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly sharp flavors. Whether served as a refreshing appetizer or an accompaniment to grilled meats or fish, the classic leeks vinaigrette stands as a testament to the power of simple ingredients artfully combined.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE



Leeks Vinaigrette image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories     side-dish

Time 3h50m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large leeks
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon grainy mustard
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 shallot, finely minced
1/4 cup hazelnuts, rough chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil and season liberally with salt.
  • Trim the leeks at the root ends, keeping the leeks intact. Cut the leeks where the light green meets the darker green. Save the darker green section for stock. Split the leeks in half lengthwise, again leaving the roots intact. Put the leeks in a large bowl of water and let it sit for a minute. Rinse the dirt from the insides of the leeks by lightly separating the layers and allowing the water to wash the dirt out. Tie the leeks in 3 places with butcher's twine to hold shut.
  • Add the leeks to the pot of water and let it come back to a simmer. Boil the leeks until they are very tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer them to paper towels and remove the twine. Separate each leek into 2 halves.
  • In a small bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, mustards, garlic, shallots and salt and pepper. Spread some of the vinaigrette on the bottom of an 8-inch square dish.
  • While the leeks are still warm, remove the outer layer of each; lay the leeks cut-side down in the vinaigrette in the dish. Spoon the remaining vinaigrette over the leeks. Cover and chill the leeks in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.
  • Arrange the leeks on a platter and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Garnish with the hazelnuts, eggs and chives. Drizzle more vinaigrette over the leeks and serve.

CLASSIC LEEKS VINAIGRETTE



Classic Leeks Vinaigrette image

For leeks vinaigrette, look for smallish leeks, which are more tender and more closely resemble asparagus spears, for the French call this dish "asperges du pauvre," the poor man's asparagus. This is important; a crunchy leek is unpleasant. Drain the leeks and hold at room temperature for up to several hours, but do not refrigerate or they'll lose their delicate texture. To serve, simply smear the leeks with vinaigrette; I make a thick, sharp rather mustardy one to complement the sweetness of the leeks. Then garnish as you wish. I like capers, hard-cooked egg, olives and cornichons.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     quick, weekday, salads and dressings

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 small leeks, about 1 pound
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons capers
8 to 12 cornichons
12 olives, such as niçoise, oil-cured black or green picholine
2 hard-cooked eggs, halved lengthwise

Steps:

  • Trim leeks, removing tough outer layers and cutting off root ends. Leave a little green at the top. Make a lengthwise slit part way down each leek. Put leeks in a large basin of warm tap water and swish vigorously to dislodge any sand or dirt. Remove carefully, leaving grit in basin.
  • Fill a medium sauce pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and put in leeks. Cook at a brisk simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until leeks are quite tender when pierced with a paring knife. Drain and cool to room temperature.
  • Make vinaigrette: put mustard and vinegar in a bowl and stir to dissolve. Whisk in olive oil to make a thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Blot leeks and divide among 4 plates. Spoon vinaigrette over leeks, smearing with back of spoon. Sprinkle with capers. Garnish each plate with cornichons, olives and half an egg.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 173, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 474 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE



Leeks Vinaigrette image

Categories     Salad     Mustard     Vegetable     Sauté     Thanksgiving     Quick & Easy     Salad Dressing     Vinegar     Bacon     Ham     Leek     Winter     Parsley     Simmer     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 medium leeks (3 1/2 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt
2 oz thinly sliced pancetta, chilled
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Cut off dark green tops of leeks and trim root ends. Halve each leek lengthwise to within 2 inches of root end. Rinse well under cold running water to wash away sand. Cover leeks with cold water in a 12-inch heavy skillet. Add salt and simmer leeks, uncovered, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Transfer leeks to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
  • While leeks simmer, finely chop pancetta, then cook in 1 tablespoon oil over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk together vinegar, mustard, remaining 1/4 cup oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl until emulsified. Add leeks and gently toss to coat. Serve topped with pancetta and parsley.

FRENCH BRAISED LEEKS WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE



French Braised Leeks with Dijon Vinaigrette image

Categories     Side     Leek     Simmer     Boil

Yield makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 bunch leeks (5 small or 3 large)
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup Chicken Stock (p. 206) or water
Salt and pepper
Dijon Vinaigrette
Dijon Vinaigrette
1 medium shallot, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons wine or apple cider vinegar
Reserved leek pan juices
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Cut the root end off the leeks, as well as the dark green stem end, leaving just the white and light green portion. Split them lengthwise and remove the outer two layers. Wash thoroughly under running water, being careful to rinse between layers to remove any grit. Shake off the excess water.
  • Rub the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with the softened butter, then lay the leeks, cut side down, in the pan. They should fit snugly in one layer across the pan. Pour the wine and Chicken Stock over the leeks, sprinkle with salt and a little pepper, then cover with waxed paper or parchment (which will keep the tops of the leeks moist), and bring the liquid to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. Use a small spatula or tongs to turn the leeks once, halfway through the cooking process. When cooked, the leeks should be completely tender and not stringy. Turn them over once more, so the outer layers are facing up. To test doneness, I usually just peel off one or two outer layers, the last to get cooked, and sample them (if they are the least bit tough, cook for another 5 minutes).
  • Remove pan from the heat and cool. If there are more than 2 tablespoons of juices left in the pan, remove the leeks to a serving platter and reduce the juices to 2 tablespoons. Reserve juices for the Dijon vinaigrette.
  • Pour the dressing over the leeks and let sit for at least 10 minutes. These leeks are wonderful served warm or cold, but I like them best at room temperature.
  • Dijon Vinaigrette
  • Whisk together the shallot, mustard, vinegar, and pan juices in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.

LIGHT LEEKS VINAIGRETTE



Light Leeks Vinaigrette image

This classic French dish makes a light appetizer.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 medium leeks (about 2 1/4 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon grainy mustard
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Trim tough, dark greens from leeks; discard. Halve leeks lengthwise, and cut off root ends, leaving as much of bulb intact as possible. Rinse each half under running water, carefully separating layers to loosen dirt.
  • Place a steamer basket over a saucepan filled with water; simmer. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
  • Place leeks in steamer basket, cover and steam, until very tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to bowl of ice water to cool; drain. Dry on paper towels, cut side down, patting gently.
  • In a small bowl, whisk oil, mustards, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Arrange leeks on a platter; spoon vinaigrette over top.

LEEKS VINAIGRETTE



Leeks Vinaigrette image

Provided by Elaine Louie

Categories     easy, side dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 3 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 leeks
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 grindings of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or a fruit vinegar if available)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced

Steps:

  • Wash leeks by soaking them in cold water and peeling off tough outer leaves. Trim bottoms and tops, leaving 8 inches of leeks. Steam 20 minutes. Run cold water over them for a minute to bring down temperature.
  • Drain leeks. Arrange on platter and pour vinaigrette over them. Chill 1 hour.

LEEKS IN VINAIGRETTE



Leeks in Vinaigrette image

Leeks marinated in a lemony vinaigrette are offered at room temperature

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 sprig fresh thyme
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Coarse salt
6 medium leeks, white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise and rinsed well
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons finely shredded (about 1/2 lemon total) lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Make the poached leeks: Bring thyme, lemon juice, a large pinch of salt, and 5 quarts water to a boil in a large stockpot. Add leeks; reduce heat, and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Using tongs, transfer leeks to paper towels to drain; discard thyme and cooking liquid. Transfer leeks to a platter.
  • Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together mustard and lemon zest and juice in a small bowl. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour vinaigrette over leeks. Let stand 30 minutes.

Tips:

  • Choose the right leeks: Select leeks that are firm and have bright green leaves. Smaller leeks tend to be more tender and flavorful.
  • Trim the leeks properly: Cut off the root end and the dark green tops. Slice the leeks in half lengthwise and rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
  • Use a flavorful vinaigrette: The vinaigrette is key to this dish, so make sure to use a good quality olive oil and vinegar. You can also add herbs, spices, or other seasonings to taste.
  • Don't overcook the leeks: Leeks should be cooked until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. Overcooking will make them mushy.
  • Serve immediately: Leeks vinaigrette is best served immediately after it is made. The flavors will meld together as the dish sits, but the leeks will start to lose their crunch.

Conclusion:

Leeks vinaigrette is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover leeks. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and healthy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give leeks vinaigrette a try.

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