I really hope the old adage “a picture tells a thousand words” is not true in this case, as this photo really does no justice to how good these leeks are. But if you know a better way of presenting these babies on a cold dark night in England then suggestions are very welcome.
The recipe is from Sophie Grigson’s Eat Your Greens and can be found here so I won’t rewrite it for you. I do, however, urge you to try it. Even if you, or someone you are feeding does not like leeks then minds will be changed after trying these.
Leeks lend themselves to sliminess I find. This is rarely a good thing when it comes to something you want to put into your mouth. But by cooking them in this orange flavoured béchamel any potential slipperiness is coated in smooth unctuousness. This is always a good thing. The orange adds a sweetness which makes these the perfect partner for any roast meat and the silky sauce provides an excellent contrast to a crunchy roast potato. Make this as a side on Christmas Day and I promise you it will be perfect (even if the photo isn’t).
Oooh! I wish I hadn’t used the last of my leeks yesterday. Perhaps there’ll be some more in my veg. box today. I’m going to try this.
Margaret you won’t be disappointed and I promise you that they are far more appetising than the photo suggests. Let me know what you think. Sophie Grigson’s Eat Your Greens is a really good book.
Sounds very much my sort of thing – the book that is. I’ll look for it, and report back.
Although I have eaten leeks, I have never cooked them. I think I’ll have to change that.
Ooh you should Michele, definitely.
Sounds lovely although I don’t often use leeks as a veg. When we were kids my mum used to wrap ham round leeks and bake with a cheese sauce. Brings back memories 🙂
That sounds like a good leek plan Caroline. I might give it a go with a twist.
I do like leeks and use them when I can instead of onions – just a nicer milder taste. Love your photo – it positively glows!
Yes Cathy, it’s the glowing that is worrying, it looks a bit like we have been hit by nuclear fall out bit it’s just our rubbish lights.
Not too sure about the colour, but I’m pretty sure I would love to eat this dish which would be welcome on my Christmas table any time.
Choc don’t be misled by the terrible photo, the colour is actually nicely orange rather than having this green tinge that my kitchen lights have given them. Do try them they are lovely.
Nothing wrong with being colourful ;0)
They sound delish
I love leeks and can well imagine how delicious these must be. I cook leeks often, but never in an orange bechamel. Divine idea. I am not thrown off by the “radioactive” glow of the photo!
Hope that your holidays have been lovely, Kath. Wishing you and yours all the best in 2013. Nancy
Aw thank you Nancy. so very pleased to hear about the safe arrival of Zachary. Wishing you a very happy 2013. x
Oh yum! My favourite side dish is creamed spinach so I can imagine just how good leeks will taste with a gorgeous orange bechamel. This is definitely going to be something I try!
I have never tried orange with leeks – I often braise them in apple juice – looking forward to giving this a try. Thanks.
I like the idea of the apple juice very much. I will try that one.