Grilled Leeks
- Gluten Free
- Lactose Free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Energy Kcal 180
- Carbohydrates g 12
- of which sugars g 12
- Protein g 5
- Fats g 12.5
- of which saturated fat g 1.82
- Fiber g 7.1
- Sodium mg 317
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 15 min
- Cook time: 25 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Low
- Note + 30 minutes of resting in the fridge
PRESENTATION
Grilled leeks are a beloved dish across Italy. They are showing off this great balance of simplicity and flavor. Really good stuff. These tender veggies start with a quick boil, so they become soft and ready for the grill. And once on those hot grates? They develop a crispy exterior while staying moist inside. It's a texture thing. As a grilled leeks side dish, they fit perfectly with meat or fish. Italians often finish them with a splash of balsamic and a mix of herbs—giving a tangy kick that's bursting with fresh flavor.
The grilled leeks recipe keeps things straightforward. And really, it delivers results that feel special. Across various Italian regions, you’ll spot small variations. Some might use more balsamic, while others add lemon zest or even sprinkle cheese for that extra richness—like grilled leeks with parmesan. The versatility of grilled leeks makes them popular at family gatherings. Or casual dinners, really. The key is letting the leeks linger on the grill to get those golden marks and a slightly smoky flavor everyone loves. So, so good.
And if you are curious about how to grill leeks to perfection, this method is foolproof—boil, grill, season and you’re done. The end result? Sweet and slightly earthy, with herbs and balsamic tying it all together. For anyone craving a fresh side dish that feels like it's straight from the Italian countryside, these leeks totally hit the spot. They offer a taste that's down-to-earth yet a bit special. You can enjoy them as part of a picnic spread or a refined dinner. And here's the thing, you'll have a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you're new to grilling or a seasoned pro, mastering this grilled leeks recipe will definitely elevate your culinary game. Trust me, it gives you something delicious and uniquely Italian.
You might also like:
- INGREDIENTS
- Leeks 2.2 lbs (1 kg) - to clean
- Extra virgin olive oil 6 spoonfuls
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Mint 10 leaves
- Parsley 1 tuft
- Dill 2 sprigs
- Rosemary to taste
- Balsamic vinegar to taste
How to prepare Grilled Leeks
To prepare the grilled leeks, first, clean the leeks: cut off the root and the greener leaves 1. Make a slight longitudinal cut 2 to remove another two layers of leaves 3
Thus obtaining about 1.4 lbs of tender leek hearts 4. Wash the cleaned leeks under running water 5 and set them aside. Fill a large saucepan with water and place it on the stove. As soon as it starts boiling, add salt 6
and immerse the leeks 7. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Drain the leeks and transfer them to a colander to remove any excess water 8. Heat a non-stick grill pan and grill the leeks 9, turning them occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
When the leeks are well grilled 10, place the leeks on a serving platter 11. Wash the aromatic herbs thoroughly and chop them finely on a cutting board 12.
In a bowl, pour the olive oil, season with pepper 13 and salt, and add the chopped aromatic herbs 14. Mix with a fork to emulsify the dressing 15.
Drizzle the grilled leeks first with the prepared aromatic oil 16 and then with balsamic vinegar 17. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving 18.