Mediterranean Olive Oil Braised Leeks with Carrots and Rice
This delightful Turkish dish features tender leeks braised in extra virgin olive oil, combined with sweet carrots and cooked rice. Inspired by traditional recipes from 'The Complete Book of Turkish Cooking', this dish is not only comforting but also offers a rich, aromatic flavor profile. The leeks are gently cooked to preserve their vibrant color and delicate texture, while the addition of lemon juice enhances the dish's freshness. Ideal as a mezze or a light side dish, it's best served cold, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with grilled meats or crusty bread for a wholesome meal.
6
Servings
53
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
leeks
2 lbs (Trimmed, outer layers removed, sliced into 3/4 inch pieces)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (for cooking)
carrots
2 small (halved and sliced)
uncooked rice
2 tablespoons (rinsed)
sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
lemon
1/2 (juice only)
water
1 1/2 cups (for cooking)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the leeks, removing a few of the tough outer layers, and discarding any dark green leaves. Slice the leeks into 3/4 inch thick rounds.
2
Wash the sliced leeks thoroughly in several changes of water to remove any dirt or grit.
3
In a heavy skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
4
Add the sliced leeks and the halved, sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the oil.
5
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook the mixture gently for 30 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6
After 30 minutes, stir in the rinsed rice, sugar, salt, lemon juice, and the measured water. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients.
7
Cover the skillet again and let it simmer for another 30 minutes. Check the liquid occasionally, adding more water if needed to prevent sticking, but ensure the mixture remains moist.
8
Once fully cooked, the dish should be very moist but not watery. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
9
Serve chilled with additional lemon juice drizzled over the top.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
6g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Olive Oil Braised Leeks with Carrots and Rice?
This is a traditional Turkish-inspired dish, often called Zeytinyaฤlฤฑ Pฤฑrasa, featuring tender leeks and sweet carrots braised in extra virgin olive oil with a small amount of rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 53 calories.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served cold or chilled, which allows the flavors to fully develop.
What are the main nutritional facts per serving?
One serving contains 3g of fat, 6g of carbohydrates, 1g of protein, and 1g of fiber.
What type of olive oil should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil for the best aromatic flavor.
How should I prepare the leeks?
Trim the leeks, remove the tough outer layers and dark green leaves, then slice them into 3/4 inch thick rounds and wash thoroughly.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 small carrots, halved and sliced.
How much rice is included in the recipe?
You will need 2 tablespoons of uncooked rice, which should be rinsed before adding to the skillet.
Why is sugar added to this savory dish?
1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar are added as seasoning to balance the flavors, a common practice in Turkish olive oil dishes.
How long do the leeks and carrots cook initially?
The leeks and carrots are covered and cooked gently on low heat for 30 minutes before adding the rice.
How long is the total simmering time after adding rice and water?
After adding the rice and water, the mixture simmers for an additional 30 minutes.
What is the correct texture for the finished dish?
The dish should be very moist but not watery once fully cooked.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients.
How much water is required for cooking?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of water.
Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the dish with additional lemon juice drizzled over the top for freshness.
What should I do with the dark green leek leaves?
The dark green leaves are typically discarded or saved for stock, as they are too tough for this specific braised dish.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Rice dishes, specifically serving as a mezze or side dish.
What is the primary seasoning for this dish?
The primary seasonings are salt (3/4 teaspoon), sugar (1 1/2 teaspoons), and lemon juice.
Is it important to wash the leeks after slicing?
Yes, washing them in several changes of water is essential to remove any dirt or grit trapped between the layers.
What equipment is needed to cook this?
A heavy skillet with a lid is needed to ensure even cooking and to trap moisture.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While ideal as a mezze or side, it can be a light main course when paired with crusty bread.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by 'The Complete Book of Turkish Cooking'.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
What should I do if the liquid evaporates too quickly?
You should check the liquid occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent sticking.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no cholesterol in this dish.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include Turkish cuisine, leeks, olive oil, vegetarian, healthy, refreshing, side dish, mezze, and cold dish.
How much fiber does it provide?
It provides 1g of fiber per serving.
What type of heat is used for the majority of the cooking?
After the initial heating of the oil, the dish is cooked on low heat.
What is the total weight of the leeks used?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of leeks.