Two popular umami flavors of leek and Parmesan cheese join forces in this savory side dish. A fresh whole leek is cut lengthwise and smothered in a Parmesan and butter mixture, then baked until tender. This is an easy yet elegant dish that allows the sweet and mild oniony flavor of the leek to shine through, with the salty Parmesan adding another layer of flavor.
The recipe below is very simple to make and uses only five ingredients. The magic takes place in the oven, as the leek becomes soft and sweet, and the Parmesan turns into a slight crust on the outside. This dish is ideal for impressing a date for a romantic night at home, or even as a quick, pick-me-up in the middle of the day.
Parmesan roasted leek
4 large leeks
1/2 cup water
¼ cup melted butter
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
To prepare the leeks, cut off the root and the tip. Slice each leek lengthwise, and wash under running water between the leaves to remove any extra grit.
Bring ½ cup of water to a simmer in a large pan or skillet. Place the leeks cut-side down in the water, and allow to simmer on medium-low heat until the leaves become slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Remove the leeks from the water, and arrange them in an ungreased baking dish in a single layer.
Sprinkle the leeks with salt and pepper. Drizzle the melted butter and Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops.
Place the baking dish in the oven, and allow to bake until the leeks are fork tender and the Parmesan crust has turned golden, about 25-30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve the leeks on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh, chopped parsley or more Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve 1-2 halves per person.
Pro-tip: It is essential to clean your leeks before you prepare them, as more often than not, there's extra dirt and grit between the leaves. Be careful!
