Discover the easy and tasty recipe for Baked Leeks, a dish that will win over your palate with its simplicity and flavor.
With only 450 calories per serving, this recipe not only satisfies your appetite but also keeps the calorie count in check. Perfect for those looking for lighter options without sacrificing taste.
The entire preparation requires only 30 minutes, while the cooking is completed in a short 20 minutes. An ideal dish for those evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s rediscover leeks together, these versatile vegetables, turning them into the star of a memorable dinner. Let’s get ready to bake!
Recipe Notes
- DIFFICULTY: easy
- PRO: tasty and gratinated
- CONS: none
- PREPARATION: 30 minutes
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: 450 calories per serving
- SUITABLE FOR: quick lunch or dinner
Notes on the ingredients of the recipe: Baked Leeks au Gratin
A delicious combination for a rich and comforting dish.
- Leeks: Wash them well to remove the dirt between the leaves.
- Milk: Preferably whole for a creamier bechamel sauce.
- Butter: Used in the bechamel sauce, it adds creaminess.
- Flour: Essential for thickening the bechamel sauce.
- Grated Cheese: Adds crispiness when gratinated.
- Emmental Cheese: For a more intense and stringy flavor in the filling.
- Egg Yolks: Enrich the sauce, making it more cohesive and tasty.
- Breadcrumbs: For a golden and crispy surface after baking in the oven.
- Nutmeg: A pinch enhances the flavor of the bechamel sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors of the ingredients.
Nutritional Values of Baked Vegetable and Cheese Dish
This dish, rich in flavors and different textures, offers an interesting mix of nutritional values. Here are some key points:
- High calcium content: Thanks to cheeses like Emmental and grated cheese, this recipe significantly contributes to the recommended daily intake of calcium.
- Protein supply: Egg yolks and cheeses increase the protein content of the dish, essential for the building and repair of body tissues.
- Vitamins and minerals: Leeks are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, thus helping to improve visual health, skin, and the immune system.
- Moderate calorie content: With 450 calories per serving, this dish can fit well into a balanced diet if consumed in moderation.
- Potential disadvantages: Butter and cheeses can increase the intake of saturated fats; therefore, it is advisable for those following a low-fat diet to consider lighter alternatives.
Oven-Baked Leeks Gratin: Easy and Tasty Recipe
Ingredients
- 1000 g Leeks
- 35 cl Milk
- 65 g Butter
- 25 g Flour
- 50 g Grated Cheese
- 50 g Emmental Cheese
- 2 Egg Yolks
- Breadcrumbs
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Clean the leeks by removing the green part, wash them carefully and boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, drain them and let them dry lying on a kitchen towel.
- In a saucepan, melt 40 g butter and season the leeks for a few minutes. Then, arrange them in a buttered baking dish.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce with the remaining butter (25 g), flour and milk. Withdraw the sauce from the heat and add the egg yolks, grated Emmenthal, a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper.
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the leeks in the baking dish, sprinkle with grated cheese and some breadcrumbs. Scatter some butter flakes over the surface.
- Bake au gratin in preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
Variations on a Classic Baked Dish
Innovating in the kitchen is always a good idea, and with this dish, it’s no exception. By replacing milk with plant-based beverages such as almond or soy, you will get a lighter but equally flavorful version. For those who love intense flavors, try adding blue cheese or gorgonzola to your sauce, which will give a bold and enveloping touch.
For those who desire an even richer dish, adding diced speck or pancetta to the filling will transform this side dish into a truly substantial main course. If you prefer to maintain lightness but without sacrificing taste, include fresh aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary to further flavor the leeks.
And finally, why not dare with a crispy topping? Mix breadcrumbs with sesame or sunflower seeds before sprinkling on the surface: this way, you will achieve a golden and extremely inviting gratin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions from our readers.
What type of cheese can I use for Baked Leeks Gratin?
You can use both grated cheese and Emmental for a creamier texture and flavor.
Can I prepare Baked Leeks Gratin in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance up to the stage before baking in the oven. Before serving, gratin in the oven as indicated in the recipe.
What is the ideal oven temperature for gratinating Leeks?
It is ideal to preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the Baked Leeks Gratin for about 20 minutes or until desired browning.
