Braised Leeks

One of my favorite ways to eat leeks is to braise them. Here's a quick and dirty recipe from epicurious.com. If you want to add some depth of flavor, grill the leeks instead of sauteing them, and then braise.

• Serves 2
• 
  
• Ingredients:
• 4 small or medium leeks, tough outer leaves discarded and leeks trimmed to about 7 inches long and cut lengthwise into quarters or eighths
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable stock)
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

Procedure:

In a shallow dish soak leeks in cold water to cover 15 minutes, rubbing occasionally to remove any grit. In a heavy skillet melt butter over moderate heat. lift leeks out of the water and with water still clinging to them add to skillet. Cook leeks, stirring occasionally, five minutes and add broth and zest. Braise leeks, covered, 5 minutes, or until very tender, and season with salt and pepper.