Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (2024)

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Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (1)

This leeks in white wine recipe is a surprisingly gratifying dish. This humble vegetable is often overlooked but its delicate flavour works perfectly with this buttery, white wine sauce. This recipe takes a little more prep than some of our other recipes if you’re looking for easy leek recipes, but it’s worth the extra effort!

Leeks are part of the same vegetable family as onions and garlic, but with a sweeter, milder flavour.

Generally, leeks work well with cheese, cream, garlic, shallots, ham and chicken. Herbs such as parsley, sage, thyme, basil, and chervil complement leeks. As do lemon and mustard seasonings.

Leeks are just as versatile as onions. They can be cooked in all kinds of ways including fried, boiled, braised, roasted, and even slowly cooked to caramelise like onions.

When is leek season? When are leeks at their best?

In the UK the leek season, when they are at their best locally, runs from around November to April.

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (2)

What is in the leeks in white wine recipe?

In this leeks recipe we try to use as much of the leek as possible, so instead of discarding the tougher green part of the leek, we fry it in butter and oil, low-and-slow style, to soften it. There is lots of lovely flavour in there.

The leeks sauce is simply white wine, chicken stock, a dash of lemon juice and seasoning. Together with the butter and oil, the ingredients emulsify together to make an unctuous sauce.

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (3)

What do leeks with white wine sauce taste like?

The flavour of leeks with white wine sauce is delicate. It has a spring-like feel to. It’s an uplifting yet slightly decadent dish. The leeks are tender and soft with their gentle onion flavour. The sauce has a sweetness that we relish, and that distinct alcohol-ness that brings depth.

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (4)

What do you serve braised leeks with?

We served these braised leeks in white wine sauce with our classic lemon and thyme roast chicken and it was a hit with all the family.

You could also serve this slopped over a fresh bowl of pasta with shavings of fresh parmesan grated on top.

This dish also makes for a wonderful vegetable side dish at a summer barbecue, just place in the middle of the table along with a pile of cooked ham, a tower of super soft fresh bread, and a giant bowl of peppery green salad.

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (5)

What does braised mean in cooking?

Braising is the process of lightly frying then stewing slowly. The term braising comes from the French word ‘braiser’ which means the combination style cooking for dry then wet heat for food. Food is fried, sautéed, or seared in a pan first before the liquid is added and the food is slowly cooked at a low temperature. We think braising is a great way on how to cook leeks.

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (6)

Can you substitute any of the ingredients in this leeks recipe?

If you want to make a vegetarian or vegan version of braised leeks you can switch the chicken stock to vegetable stock. For a vegan version take out the butter and add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil.

Here is our braised leeks recipe.

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (7)

BRAISED LEEKS WITH WHITE WINE SAUCE (SERVES 4)

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 Large Leeks
  • 3 Cloves of Garlic, finely sliced
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 30g Butter
  • 150ml White Wine
  • 300ml Chicken Stock
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • Sea Salt Flakes
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper

METHOD

  1. Discard the tough outer leaves and trim the leeks first. Cut through the leeks to separate the green part from the white bit. Finely slice the green parts of the leeks. For the white bulb bits of the leeks peel away the tough outer layer then slice into 1-inch pieces. Rinse the leeks thoroughly to remove any trapped grit.
  2. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once melted add the sliced garlic and allow to gently cook until softened. Add the sliced green leeks to the pan and cook on a low heat for about 15 minutes, or until soft.
  3. Toss the white leeks into the pan and coat with the garlicky, leek-y butter. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Tip the leeks into a baking tin followed by the lemon juice, white wine, and chicken stock. Place a square of baking paper on top and cover the pan with foil.
  5. Bake in the oven at 180C for about 35-40 minutes, or until the leeks are fork-tender.

Leeks in White Wine Sauce

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (8)

We try to use as much of the leek as possible, so instead of discarding the tougher green part of the leek, we fry it in butter and oil, low-and-slow style, to soften it. There is lots of lovely flavour in there.

The sauce is simply white wine, chicken stock, a dash of lemon juice and seasoning. Together with the butter and oil, the ingredients emulsify together to make an unctuous sauce.

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time1 hour

Total Time1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 Large Leeks
  • 3 Cloves of Garlic, finely sliced
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 30g Butter
  • 150ml White Wine
  • 300ml Chicken Stock
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • Sea Salt Flakes
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Discard the tough outer leaves and trim the leeks first. Cut through the leeks to separate the green part from the white bit. Finely slice the green parts of the leeks. For the white bulb bits of the leeks peel away the tough outer layer then slice into 1-inch pieces. Rinse the leeks thoroughly to remove any trapped grit.
  2. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once melted add the sliced garlic and allow to gently cook until softened. Add the sliced green leeks to the pan and cook on a low heat for about 15 minutes, or until soft.
  3. Toss the white leeks into the pan and coat with the garlicky, leeky butter. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Tip the leeks into a baking tin followed by the lemon juice, white wine, and chicken stock. Place a square of baking paper on top and cover the pan with foil.
  5. Bake in the oven at 180C for about 35-40 minutes, or until the leeks are fork-tender.
Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (9)

You might also like these recipes:

  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Garlic and Chilli Kale
  • Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
  • Peas with Mint and Spring Onion

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (10)

Leeks in White Wine Sauce | Delicious Braised Leeks Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long should leeks be cooked? ›

To cook: Leeks can be boiled, braised or steamed. Sliced leeks should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm. Whole small leeks should be cooked for 10-15 minutes until tender but still firm, top with a cheese sauce and then brown under a preheated grill for 5 minutes or until golden.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook leeks? ›

Season leeks with soy, maple, sesame oil, and mirin. Top with sliced garlic and a few knobs of butter around the outside of the pan. Add just enough stock to cover leeks halfway, bring to a boil and pop into over to roast until caramelized and tender when pierced with a knife.

How do I get the most out of my leeks? ›

Getting the Most out of Leeks
  1. Cut leek diagonally from point where leaves start to darken to middle of dark green portion.
  2. Peek inside to determine where light green turns dark. Cut diagonally again, preserving light portion.
  3. Repeat twice to create pointed shape with pale leaves.

What flavor do leeks add? ›

Leeks have a mildly sweet flavor that is reminiscent of other alliums, such as onions, shallots, garlic, and chives. They are often used the way onions are — as part of a base of flavors for soups, stews, and other long-cooking dishes. However, their more mild flavor means they can be enjoyed on their own as well.

Can you overcook leeks? ›

To sweat them, place them in a pan with butter or oil and cook over low heat until they get soft but not browned. Leeks should never be browned, or overcooked, because it will turn them into slimy mush. Instead, cook them until they are tender.

How do you know when leeks are done cooking? ›

It's truly simple once you've cut them! Heat some olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium high heat, then add the leeks. Cook them, stirring often, until they are just soft and just before they begin to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Keep your eye on them, because they can easily get browned if the heat is too high!

How do you cook leeks Jamie Oliver? ›

Put a large casserole-type pan (ideally one you'd be happy to serve in) on a medium heat and add a drizzle of oil, the butter, thyme leaves and garlic. Cook until it begins to bubble and fry, then stir in the leeks. Continue cooking and checking on it every few minutes to stir and make sure it doesn't catch.

Are cooked leeks healthy? ›

Leeks provide several nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and B6. Leeks are very low in calories, but do contain a decent amount of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins like vitamins A, B6, C, and K, and minerals like copper and manganese.

Why do you soak leeks in water? ›

Soak the stalks in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes or so, then rinse under cold running water in the sink. The long soak allows the water to penetrate the leek's many layers, clearing out all the bits of debris. Once your veg is all cleaned up and dirt-free, it's time to get cookin'.

What pairs well with leeks? ›

They add a lovely flavor to a wide range of soups, of course, like our vicchysoise or green chili clam chowder, but also make a nice addition to weeknight pasta dinners and healthy dinner salads. Try them roasted in our “anything goes” grain salad, or our skillet mac 'n' cheese with chicken & broccoli.

Can you eat too many leeks? ›

Additionally, leeks contain high levels of oxalates, which can bind to calcium and other minerals in the gut and cause health problems for people who are prone to oxalate kidney stones. It is generally safe to eat moderate amounts of leeks as part of a balanced diet.

Why are my leeks hard in the middle? ›

once a leek bolts, the inner flesh becomes very tough and virtually inedible. We have found before that we couldn't even slice a bolted leek with a sharp knife, as the woody bit in the centre really was too hard.

Why are leeks so expensive? ›

Leek is an expensive crop to grow, because it is labor intensive. Hand labor is required for all stages of production including: transplanting, weeding, harvesting, washing and packing.

Why do my leeks taste bitter? ›

Leeks, like onions, can become bitter if they're cooked for too long or at too high a heat. Make sure to sauté leeks over medium heat until they are soft and translucent, not browned. Another reason could be using the green parts of the leek, which are more fibrous and have a stronger flavor.

Are leeks healthier than onions? ›

Nutrition. In terms of what's good for you, both leeks and green onions have tons of vitamins and nutrients, but overall, leeks are more nutrient dense, with more fiber, and much more of manganese, Vitamin K, Beta Carotene & Iron.

Do leeks take longer to cook than onions? ›

Leeks cook much quicker than onions. The longer you cook an onion, the sweeter and more flavorful it becomes as it sheds its liquid. Cooking onions for 10 to 15 minutes until they start to caramelize creates a favorable soup base. Leeks, on the other hand, just need to wilt and soften, which can take under 5 minutes.

Do leeks get soft when cooked? ›

Leeks, on the other hand, are tougher than green onions and aren't typically eaten raw. Both green onions and leeks soften when they are cook, but leeks take a little longer to get there.

How do you know when leeks are caramelized? ›

Caramelization on the bottom: Use a fork to check if the leeks are indeed golden on the bottom and if they are, gently flip them over and cook on the other side for another 10 minutes or until golden.

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