Description
Learn how to prepare and grill fresh leeks to bring out their natural sweetness and tender texture. This simple recipe involves boiling the leeks briefly to soften them before finishing on a hot grill with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with steak, chicken, fish, or any grilled entree.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 fresh leeks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare water for boiling: Bring a large pot of water with about 3-4 inches of water to a boil.
- Trim leeks: Chop off the upper dark green portion of the leeks, keeping the white and pale green parts. If unsure, cut higher as tough layers can be peeled later.
- Remove roots: Cut off the root ends, getting as close to the base as possible.
- Peel tough layers: Remove the outer tough layers of the leeks to expose the fresher inner layers.
- Slice leeks: Cut each leek down the center lengthwise, but leave the root end intact to hold the leek together.
- Wash thoroughly: Peel back the layers and rinse inside each leek half under running water to remove dirt and grit.
- Boil leeks: Place the leeks in boiling water for 4 minutes until slightly tender. Remove and let cool on a towel. Once cool, cut the root end to separate halves completely.
- Preheat grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for grilling.
- Season leeks: Place the leeks on a plate and drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper evenly.
- Oil grill: If the leeks were lightly oiled, brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill leeks: Place the leeks cut side down on the grill and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and grill the other side for an additional 2 minutes to achieve light grill marks and a smoky flavor.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve warm as a flavorful side alongside steak, chicken, fish, or any grilled main dish.
Notes
- Keep the root end attached during the initial wash and boil to maintain leek integrity for easier grilling.
- Boiling the leeks before grilling ensures they become tender and reduces grilling time.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; leeks naturally have a mild sweetness that complements simple seasoning.
- Use a grill brush or oil-soaked paper towel to oil grill grates safely and prevent sticking.
- Leeks pair well with a variety of proteins and can also be served as a vegetarian side.