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French-Style Braised Leeks with White Wine and Thyme Butter Sauce

Close-up of tender braised leeks coated in a creamy sauce and seasoned with pepper.
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Make tender, flavorful braised leeks with this simple French-style recipe featuring a bright white wine butter sauce. This elegant vegetable side dish works well for holiday meals or any sophisticated dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the leeks: Trim the root ends and remove the tough outer layers. Slice the white and light green parts into 2-inch long pieces. Rinse the pieces thoroughly under cold water to remove all grit.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced shallots and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Add the cleaned leeks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
  5. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add the broth. Bring the liquid back to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and braise the leeks for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
  7. Remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme. Simmer uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken to coat the leeks.
  8. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten free leek recipe, this preparation is naturally gluten free.
  • To make this a vegan braised leeks dish, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use vegetable broth and a plant-based cream alternative.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with a classic beurre blanc sauce base.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/braised-leeks-french-style-white-wine-sauce/