Braised Leeks with Black Olives
A comforting plant-based dish where tender leeks meet Mediterranean olives.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
When autumn starts to peek around the corner and leeks take over the market stalls, it's the perfect time for this simple braised dish. Black olives bring a touch of the South that warms both the heart and the plate. No fuss needed, just good vegetables and a little patience.
Ingredients
-
leeks
-
olives
-
onions
-
off-dry white wine
-
tomato purée
-
dill
-
flat-leaf parsley
-
rapeseed oil
-
salt
-
pepper
Recipe steps
Prepare the leeks
Wash the leeks thoroughly to remove all the sand. Cut them roughly into rounds or chunks. Slice the onion.
Sauté the vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or sauté pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the leeks
Add the leeks to the pot and mix well. Let them soften gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add liquid and season
Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate for 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste diluted in a small glass of water, along with the salt and pepper. Mix well.
Let it simmer
Cover and let simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, until the leeks are nice and tender. Add a little water during cooking if needed.
Finish the dish
Add the black olives and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Finely chop the dill and parsley, then stir them in at the last moment. Adjust the seasoning and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips and variations
- No dill? Fresh fennel fronds or even chervil will work beautifully to keep that herby freshness.
- For a heartier version, serve this braised dish over a bed of basmati rice or with slices of garlic-rubbed toast.
- You can replace the white wine with vegetable broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
Anti-waste tips
Don’t throw away the green tops!
The dark green part is perfect for:
- Making homemade vegetable broth
- Adding to a blended soup
- Making leek chips in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil
