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Classic French Braised Leeks (Poireaux Braises)

Close-up of tender french braised leeks served in a white bowl with broth and fresh parsley.
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Learn the traditional French technique for slow-cooking leeks in butter and broth until they are tender and deeply flavorful. This simple vegetable side dish tastes like home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the leeks: Trim the root ends and remove any dark green tops. Slice the leeks lengthwise and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove all grit between the layers. Slice the cleaned leeks into 1-inch thick rounds.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced leeks to the pot. Stir to coat them with the butter. Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks soften slightly but do not brown.
  4. Season the leeks with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the white wine, if using. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the leeks.
  6. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the leeks braise slowly for 30 to 40 minutes.
  7. Check the leeks; they are done when they are very tender when pierced with a fork.
  8. Remove the lid for the last 5 minutes of cooking if the liquid is too abundant; you want a small amount of concentrated sauce remaining.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • When cleaning leeks, soak the sliced rounds in a bowl of water for a few minutes to help the dirt settle to the bottom before lifting them out.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the broth with heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  • This slow cooked leeks recipe pairs well as a side dish for roasted chicken or pan-seared fish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/french-braised-leeks-recipe/