Thursday 29 March 2012

Leek & Hazelnut Salad

Alliums dressed in citrus juice might be my Spring favourite. Steamed until floppy and then crisped and charred and a bit blistered on a ridged cast iron pan, the baby leeks were sweet and silky, its folds soaking up the orange-tinted dressing like a thirsty thing. Whole hazelnuts were thwacked with a rolling pin and then dry-roasted until fragrant and toasty, adding crunch and richness to the dish.

Served family style off a cake stand, this was an ideal starter, all light and palate-cleansing for the rich beefiness to follow.

Leek & Hazelnut Salad

Serves 4

20 baby leeks
A handful of parsley
150gr hazelnuts, bashed into small pieces but not in a powder
Juice of 1 small orange, plus 1 tsp of the zest
Juice of half a lemon
4 tbsp sherry vinegar
5 tbsp olive oil

Toast the hazelnuts in a non stick pan without any oil. Be careful not to burn them. Steam the leeks until just soft, then place aside. Oil well and grill them on a cast iron ridged pan (or a barbecue). Whisk together the oil, vinegar and citrus juice, then add the zest. Toss together and place on a serving dish - it should be eaten at room temperature. Just before serving, scatter with the toasted hazelnuts and the parsley, chopped finely.

9 comments:

Katy Salter @ Pinch of Salt said...

Delicious - leeks are so underrated.This would go really well with lamb shoulder or roast chicken.

Helena Lee said...

Looks simple and looks delicious. Two of my favourite things. I'll be making this soon - great idea! xx

Food Urchin said...

I was just wondering what this would go with but Katy pipped it - roast chicken.

Lovely recipe Lizzie.

Shu Han said...

love food like this. simple, seasonal, and yummy. i wouldn't even think too much about pairing it with something, could probably happily polish off the whole thing just as it is.

S said...

you and FoodStories are by far my most favourite food writers. such beautiful descriptions. you could write about hay and i would eat it, based on your prose. x s

Hollow Legs said...

S - Blush! So pleased you think so x

Hollow Legs said...

Katy - Leeks are massively underrated. I'm looking for more recipes.


Helena - Thanks! x

FU - Yes! A spicy roast chicken.

Shu Han - Hmmm, reckon you might need some bread to go with it ;)

Hollow Legs said...

Katy - Leeks are massively underrated. I'm looking for more recipes.


Helena - Thanks! x

FU - Yes! A spicy roast chicken.

Shu Han - Hmmm, reckon you might need some bread to go with it ;)

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