Leeks in Olive Oil

Leeks in Olive Oil Recipe from Saudi Arabia - Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Saudi Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Leeks in Olive Oil is a traditional Mediterranean dish that highlights the delicate flavor of leeks cooked in extra virgin olive oil. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a great addition to any meal, whether served as a side dish or as part of a buffet spread.

History

Leeks in Olive Oil has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Leeks are a versatile vegetable that have been used in cooking since ancient times. The combination of leeks and olive oil creates a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of leeks
0.33 cup of extra virgin olive oil
2 small carrots, halved and sliced
2 tbsp of uncooked rice
1.5 tsp of sugar
0.75 tsp of salt
juice of half a lemon
1.5 cups of water

How to prepare

Trim the leeks.
Remove a few of the outer layers.
Slice the leeks into 0.75" thick pieces and discard the tough green leaves.
Wash the leeks well in several changes of water.
In a heavy skillet, heat the olive oil.
Stir in the leeks and carrots.
Cover and cook very gently for 30 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally.
Blend in the remaining ingredients in order.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, checking the liquid.
Add more water if necessary.
When fully cooked, it should be very moist but not watery.
Serve cold with lemon juice.
Serve as part of a buffet including other vegetable dishes.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking Leeks in Olive Oil, be sure to wash the leeks well to remove any dirt or grit. Cooking the leeks gently in olive oil allows them to soften and develop a rich, savory flavor. Be sure to check the liquid levels while simmering to ensure the dish does not become too dry.

Serving Suggestions

Leeks in Olive Oil can be served as a side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal. Serve it cold with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Leeks in Olive Oil is to cook the leeks gently in olive oil until they are soft and tender. Be sure to stir occasionally and check the liquid levels to prevent the dish from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have leeks on hand, you can substitute with onions or shallots. You can also use other vegetables like fennel or celery in place of the carrots. Feel free to get creative and use whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

Leeks in Olive Oil can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it a great make-ahead dish for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish more visually appealing, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. You can also drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with lemon zest for a bright and fresh finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Leeks in Olive Oil pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread. Serve it alongside a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Leeks in Olive Oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also enjoy this dish cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Leeks in Olive Oil contains approximately 150 calories. This dish is a light and healthy option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Carbohydrates

Leeks are a low-carbohydrate vegetable, making them a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake. This dish is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates from the leeks and carrots.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It adds a rich flavor to the dish while providing essential nutrients.

Proteins

While this dish is not high in protein, the leeks and carrots do provide some plant-based protein. To increase the protein content, you can add a protein-rich ingredient such as chickpeas or tofu.

Vitamins and minerals

Leeks are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and manganese. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. This dish is a great way to get a variety of vitamins and minerals in one meal.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, if you have a specific allergy or dietary restriction, be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens.

Summary

Leeks in Olive Oil is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in carbs and calories. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Leeks in Olive Oil is a simple and delicious dish that highlights the natural flavors of leeks and carrots. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is a great addition to any meal and can be enjoyed as a side dish or on its own. With its nutrient-rich ingredients and light, refreshing taste, Leeks in Olive Oil is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little cottage in the countryside. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most delicious aroma of leeks cooking in olive oil.

Maria smiled at me and said, "I'm making one of my favorite dishes today - leeks in olive oil. Would you like to learn how to make it?" Without hesitation, I eagerly nodded my head and pulled up a chair next to her at the stove.

Maria began by explaining that the key to this dish was the quality of the ingredients. She stressed the importance of using fresh leeks, extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of salt and pepper. As she chopped the leeks into thin slices, I watched in awe at her skilled hands moving effortlessly through the vegetables.

Once the leeks were ready, Maria heated up a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet and added the leeks. The sizzle of the leeks hitting the hot oil filled the kitchen with a mouthwatering scent. Maria stirred the leeks gently, making sure they were evenly coated in the oil.

As the leeks cooked, Maria shared with me the story behind this recipe. She told me that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each adding their own twist to make it their own.

Maria's eyes sparkled with fond memories as she spoke about her family gatherings where this dish was always present on the table. She told me stories of laughter, love, and shared meals that brought her family together.

After a few minutes of cooking, the leeks had softened and turned a beautiful golden brown color. Maria seasoned them with a pinch of salt and pepper before transferring them to a serving dish. She garnished the dish with a drizzle of fresh olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

With a smile, Maria handed me a fork and urged me to try a bite. The leeks were tender, flavorful, and melted in my mouth with each bite. The simplicity of the dish allowed the natural sweetness of the leeks to shine through, complemented perfectly by the richness of the olive oil.

I was hooked. From that day on, leeks in olive oil became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would make it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home.

Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding in ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes to change up the flavor profile. But no matter how I tweak it, the essence of the dish remains the same - simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

As I stand in my own kitchen now, preparing a batch of leeks in olive oil for dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for Maria and her willingness to share this recipe with me. It has become more than just a dish - it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the traditions that have shaped me, and a way to bring joy to those I share it with.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a plate of warm leeks in olive oil, I say a silent thank you to all those who have passed this recipe down to me. Their legacy lives on in every bite, filling me with a sense of comfort and nostalgia that only a truly cherished recipe can provide.