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Braised Leeks with Cream and White Wine

Close-up of tender braised leeks with cream and white wine sauce served on a white plate.
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Make tender, savory braised leeks in a rich sauce of cream and white wine. This elegant vegetable side dish works well with chicken or fish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Clean the leeks thoroughly by trimming off the dark green tops and the root ends. Slice the white and light green parts lengthwise, then rinse them well under cold water to remove any trapped dirt. Slice the cleaned leeks into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced leeks to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the leeks soften slightly and become translucent. Do not let them brown.
  4. Pour in the white wine. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the wine simmer rapidly, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot, until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the broth and the thyme, if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the leeks braise for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are very tender when pierced with a fork.
  7. Remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Do not boil rapidly once the cream is added.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy braised leeks warm as a rich leek accompaniment.

Notes

  • If you do not have broth, you can use water, but the flavor will be less deep.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the leeks temporarily and reduce the cream mixture further before returning the leeks.
  • This side dish for chicken and fish pairs well with a splash of lemon juice added at the very end for brightness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/braised-leeks-with-cream-and-white-wine/