Lunch: Grilled Leeks with Leek-Tomato Salad and Citrus Dressing

Tara Duggan, author of Root-to-Stalk Cooking, uses the whole leek—grilling the bottoms in chunks and braising the sliced tops to use in a warm summer salad.

Ingredients

2 large leeks
extra-virgin olive oil
salt
1/2 tsp. lime zest
1/2 tsp. tangerine or orange zest
2 tbsp. lime juice
2 tbsp. tangerine juice
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 pinch crushed red pepper
1/2 c. fresh corn kernels
1 c. mixed heirloom cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Light a grill. Separate the dark green leek tops from the white and tender green parts. Halve the leek bottoms and run under cold water to remove any grit. Slice the dark green leek tops crosswise 1/2 inch thick, discarding the top inch, and wash well. You should have about 8 cups of the tops.
Pat the halved leeks dry. Brush with oil and season with salt. Grill over moderate heat, covered with a bowl, until tender, 18 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the citrus zests with the citrus juices, soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of oil.
In a skillet, heat 2 more tablespoons of oil with the crushed red pepper. Add the leek tops and cook over high heat, stirring, until softened, 6 minutes. Add the corn and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Add half of the dressing and cook until evaporated. Scrape into a bowl and let cool slightly. Stir in the tomatoes.
Arrange the grilled leeks on plates and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Spoon the leek-tomato salad on top and serve warm. Looking for vegetable recipes? Try our best asparagus recipes, eggplant recipes, or zucchini recipes.

Share Grilled Leeks with Leek-Tomato Salad and Citrus Dressing