Luscious Creamed Leeks
This delightful Creamed Leeks recipe hails from an old newspaper archive in Portsmouth, NH, and is a wonderfully rich and comforting side dish perfect for any occasion, especially for the festive Australia Day and Waitangi Day celebrations. The tender, sautéed leeks are enveloped in a decadent cream sauce, elevated by a hint of cayenne and a splash of lemon juice. This dish showcases the natural sweetness of leeks, making it an ideal complement to roasted meats or a satisfying vegetarian option on its own.
6
Servings
81
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
leeks
4 large (sliced into 1/4 inch rounds (white part only))
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
chicken broth
1 cup (added to leeks)
cream
1 cup (added after broth reduction)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne
1 dash (to taste)
lemon juice
3 drops (added at the end)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the leeks. Slice 4 large leeks into 1/4 inch rounds, using only the white parts and discarding the tougher green tops.
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbly, add the sliced leeks.
3
Sauté the leeks for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and wilted.
4
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow the broth to simmer and reduce by half, concentrating its flavors.
5
Next, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of cream along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and a dash of cayenne. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, approximately 5-10 minutes.
6
Finish by adding 3 drops of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luscious Creamed Leeks?
Luscious Creamed Leeks is a rich and comforting side dish featuring tender, sautéed leeks enveloped in a decadent cream sauce with a hint of cayenne and lemon.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This recipe originates from an old newspaper archive located in Portsmouth, NH.
Which holidays are these creamed leeks perfect for?
They are specifically recommended for Australia Day and Waitangi Day celebrations.
How many leeks are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 large leeks.
Which part of the leek is used in the dish?
Only the white parts of the leeks are used; the tougher green tops should be discarded.
How should the leeks be sliced?
The leeks should be sliced into 1/4 inch rounds.
How much butter is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter.
At what heat should I melt the butter?
The butter should be melted over medium heat until it is slightly bubbly.
How long do I sauté the leeks?
Sauté the leeks for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What texture should the leeks have after sautéing?
The leeks should be soft and wilted before adding the broth.
What type of broth is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chicken broth.
How much should the broth be reduced?
The chicken broth should be allowed to simmer and reduce by half to concentrate the flavors.
How much cream is added to the sauce?
One cup of cream is added after the broth has reduced.
What seasonings are used in the cream sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and a dash of cayenne.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
It takes approximately 5-10 minutes of cooking on low heat for the sauce to reach a creamy consistency.
When should the lemon juice be added?
The lemon juice is added at the very end to finish the dish and brighten the flavors.
How many drops of lemon juice are needed?
The recipe calls for exactly 3 drops of lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of creamed leeks?
There are 81 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 3.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 1 gram of protein.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
As written it uses chicken broth, but it can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What makes the cream sauce decadent?
The combination of butter, reduced chicken broth, and a full cup of cream creates a rich, decadent sauce.
How do I prepare the leeks before cooking?
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the leeks to remove dirt, then slice the white parts into rounds.
What main dishes go well with creamed leeks?
They are an ideal complement to roasted meats.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe suggests tasting and adjusting the seasoning after adding the lemon juice and before serving.
What spice provides a subtle kick to the sauce?
A dash of cayenne pepper provides a hint of heat to the sauce.
Is there any sugar or fiber in this recipe?
The recipe data indicates that the sugar and fiber content are not specified.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are a total of 8 ingredients used in this recipe.