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Poireaux vinaigrette
Leeks in vinaigrette
Poireaux vinaigrette: Parisian poached leeks in a sharp mustard dressing
Poireaux vinaigrette is the humble leek starter of Parisian bistros, served lukewarm on long plates from autumn to early spring, when leeks are cheap and sweet. Whole young leeks are poached until silky, drained well and dressed while still warm with a punchy mustard vinaigrette, so they drink it in. Some bistros finish them with chopped egg; this version keeps it vegan with shallots and chives. The common mistake is not washing the leeks well, which leaves grit between the layers. Chef's tip: tie the leeks in a bundle before poaching so they stay whole and easy to lift out.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
For the leeks
- 8 slim leekstrimmed, dark green tops removed
- 1 tbsp saltfor the water
For the vinaigrette
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
- 4 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
- 1 shallotvery finely chopped
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 2 tbsp chiveschopped
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Slit the 8 slim leeks lengthwise from the top down to 3 cm above the root, fan them under cold running water to rinse out all the grit, then tie them in a bundle with kitchen string.
5 minStep 2: Bring a wide pan of water to the boil with the 1 tbsp salt and poach the leeks at a gentle simmer for 12–15 minutes, until the tip of a knife slides easily into the white part.
15 minStep 3: Lift the leeks out and drain them on a clean tea towel, pressing lightly to squeeze out the water; soggy leeks dilute the dressing.
5 minStep 4: Whisk the 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar, then whisk in the 4 tbsp sunflower or olive oil until thick. Stir in the 1 shallot and 1 pinch black pepper.
3 minStep 5: Cut off the strings, lay the warm leeks on a dish, spoon over the vinaigrette and scatter with 2 tbsp chives. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 160 kcal
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbs
- 11 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does poireaux vinaigrette take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of slim leeks?
- 1 onion per leek.
- What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
- Sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar, same amount.
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