Mild and delicate creamed leeks make such a delicious side dish! They are best enjoyed with roasted chicken, a juicy steak or under your favorite fish.
“I saw your lips moving but I didn’t hear anything.” My response to my nutritionist when she told me that I have a food sensitivity to onion and that I should probably cut it out of my diet. Seriously?!?!?!? I mean how does one go about actually cooking without onion? Onions are the basis for just about any savory meal that I’ve prepared IN LIFE. Bottom line is that it’s causing much inflammation in my body and I needed to find a substitute. At least for now because I need the FLAVOR!!!!
In walks the forgotten leek. Leeks look like overgrown green onions in the market. They have such a delicate and mild flavor when compared to the onion. They also take a bit more effort to clean than the common onion because they are loaded with dirt and sand!!!! Once you remove the root and the tough greens at the top , they can be sliced and then placed in a bowl of cold water to release the dirt and sand by agitating them a bit. The sand will sink to the bottom of the bowl and now you have cleaned leeks ready to be creamed!!! Creamed leeks are so BOMB guys!! A must try!!
Creamed Leeks
Ingredients
- 10 extra large leeks about 11/2 pounds trimmed, cleaned and sliced at 1/4 inch
- 3 T. butter
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 c. whole milk
- 1.5 T. butter
- 1.5 T. rice flour
- 1/2 c. shredded Gruyere
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large saute pan, over medium-high heat add and melt 3 T. butter. Once melted, add sliced leeks.
- Saute for about 15 minutes or until tender enough to your liking.
- While the leeks are cooking, make the sauce.
- In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Reduce to a simmer and season with the salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes.
- Stir in the Gruyere until melted. Keep warm.
- Pour cheese sauce over tender leeks and toss to combine. Heat through and serve immediately. Say Grace and enjoy!!
Shashi at Savory Spin says
Oh no – so sorry you are allergic to onions – but you have worked your magic with leeks – I happen to love leeks even though they are a blippity bleep to clean! This is a delicious way to enjoy them – thanks so much for sharing.
Felesha says
Thanks Shashi! I can’t wait to incorporate them more into my mainstream!! 🙂
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
Onion? Really? What about garlic? Shallots? All onion? Green onions? I’d get a second opinion before I cut onions out. That said, I’m all about these leeks!
Felesha says
Hi Lisa! Garlic is ok. They only measured 150 foods. Green onions and shallots weren’t measured. The only definitive in the onion family was leeks and garlic. 🙁
Kate says
I loved creamed spinach, but creamed leeks sounds SO much better!
Felesha says
They ARE really tasty, Kate! ?
Janette@CulinaryGinger.com says
Wow, I did not know that leeks could be used instead of an onion for allergies. I’m glad you found a tasty replacement and this looks so good, I have to try it.
Felesha says
Hi Janette! Leeks were a good choice for me sense I react to onions. Everyone’s results are personalized. I’m glad that I enjoy them as well!! 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
I love leeks but have never tried them this way. For whatever weird reason, I love cutting leeks. I do liked creamed spinach so I will have to give these a try.
Felesha says
Ok Chef G! I’ll let you clean and chop them. I’ll take it from there!! Lol!! 🙂
Tracey says
Hi Felesha, I made your creamed leeks on Monday and my family loved the dish! I had never heard of leeks or gruyere cheese until you. So thanks so much. I look forward to making this side dish again soon.
Felesha says
Hi Tracey!! So glad you enjoyed this delicious French side dish. They are such a treat. Thanks so much for stopping by!! 🙂