Baby Leeks and Avocado

This week all our bags have beautiful baby Leeks all the way from Denis Healy’s farm in Co. Wicklow. While they won’t go as far as the regular, much thicker ones we normally get, they are beautifully tender and make a really nice stand alone sidedish. Simply cut off the really dark green end (you don’t need to get rid of all of the green like you normally do with Leeks as it’s not really that tough) and roast in Olive Oil or sauté over a gentle heat in either Olive Oil or Butter until sweet and tender.Last night I tried a salad with toasted Pinenuts and Parmesan Shavings which can be served either warm or at room temperature and would work well with some simple grilled fish, a Spanish omelets or as we had it, on it’s own with nice bread……….

A Salad with Pan fried Baby Leeks, Pinenuts and Parmesan

First, wash and trim your Leeks then throw on the pan with some Olive Oil and a pinch of Salt and sauté over a low heat for about 15-20 minutes. The resulting Leeks will be darkened on the outside but melt in your mouth on the inside. While the Leeks are cooking, roast a tablespoon of Pinenuts on a dry pan until golden and set aside then prepare 2 Tablespoons of Parmesan shavings (just use your veg peeler for this). When the Leeks are ready, remove them from the heat and allow to cool slightly before dressing them with Olive Oil and Lemon juice (a ratio of about 2:1) a pinch of Salt and plenty of freshly ground Black Pepper. Throw in the Pinenuts and mix well. Serve topped with the Parmesan Shavings.

To make a meal of this dish you could use it to top potato cakes or the Rosti I talked about a few weeks back.

All our bags have an Avocado this week and they are fantastic for snacks. Try it sliced on Oatcakes with Goat’s Cheese, Sundried Tomato and the tiniest drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar. Raspberry Vinegar is also an amazing partner but I’ve yet to find one in this country I really like – If you have please let me know. Limes are another classic with Avocados and I’ve included a baby one in all the bags this week. Make a quick Guacamole by mashing your Avocado with Lime Juice, a little Chile, some finely chopped Onion and a finely chopped Tomato (this is controversial but I like it). Some chopped Coriander is always welcome too…

Hope you enjoy these recipes,

Have a great