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Braised Leeks with Savory Pecan Crumble Topping

Course Side Dish
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Lucia Hawley

Ingredients

Braised Leeks

  • 3 medium-sized leeks ends trimmed and greens removed (save greens for stock or other uses!)
  • 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock or stock/broth of choice
  • 2 teaspoons mustard of choice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter or other fat of choice like coconut oil

Savory Pecan Crumble Topping

  • 1/2 cup pecans roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley roughly chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil

Instructions

Braised Leeks

  1. In a medium-sized pan, heat butter over medium-high heat. While the butter is melting, slice the leeks in half lengthwise, and gently run each half under cold water to remove any grit or dirt trapped between the leaves, then blot the wet leaves with a paper towel to dry.
  2. Place the leeks cut side down into the sizzling butter, and allow to brown for 3-4 minutes. I like to place a small pot or other heavy-ish item on top of the leeks to make sure they're in full contact with the butter to brown more thoroughly!
  3. While the leeks are browning, combine the coconut milk, chicken stock, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk to combine.

  4. Using a fork or tongs, turn each leek over to expose the browned cut side, then drizzle the cream sauce over them to cover. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes with the lid on. Meanwhile, make the Pecan Crumble Topping (see below).

  5. Take the lid off, take the pan off the heat, and if the sauce isn't quite as thick as you prefer, allow the leeks to cook uncovered for a few more minutes. Otherwise, they're ready to serve!
  6. Serve leeks with a spoonful of the mustard cream sauce and top with the savory pecan crumble.

Savory Pecan Crumble Topping

  1. In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the pecans and gently stir every now and then for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the grated garlic clove and stir for another minute or so, until the garlic perfumes the kitchen! Then it's cooked.
  3. Take the pan off the heat and add the salt, pepper and parsley and stir to combine. Move the crumble topping to a small bowl until ready to use.