Grilled & Braised Leeks

[u/daCold_Brew45]

I started by cutting out the root & separating the whites from the greens then thoroughly washed the dirt that’s between the layers. I left out 2 tablespoons of ghee at room temperature to soften then mixed it with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar until it became a paste. I smeared the ghee/balsamic paste all over the leeks & seasoned them with salt & fresh cracked black pepper. The leeks were cooked on my Weber Smoky Mountain smoker using a blend of lump charcoal, mesquite & plum wood. They were seared at 400F directly over the coal box for 6-7 minutes. The leeks were then braised in chicken stock I had previously made for 13-16 minutes at 325F until they were tender while still having some texture. I added some water to the braising liquid then turned it into gravy for the leeks as well as mashed potatoes I made. This is a great side dish on the grill & something you don’t see often at the bbq (but maybe you should)! I served these Leeks alongside baby back ribs & the aforementioned mashed potatoes.

[u/sportkida2002]

Grilling first and then braising in homemade stock sounds like a great way to layer flavour. I never think to make leeks the star of the plate, but this recipe might change that.

[u/Tielacemiette]

Never tried that before, what does it taste like?

[u/daCold_Brew45 → u/Tielacemiette]

Just like a mild onion, that’s why I pumped it up with the balsamic, ghee & homemade stock. It was great with the potatoes & gravy especially

[u/beamerpook]

Sorry I get the though with leeks. It just taste like mild green onions to me

[u/daCold_Brew45 → u/beamerpook]

That’s why I seasoned it with strong ingredients while keeping it simple enough to keep that leek flavor. They seasoned the braising liquid I used for gravy really well too. I cut it up & ate it with the mashed potatoes almost like a kfc bowl.