Creamed Leeks with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
This creamy and comforting Creamed Leeks recipe features tender leeks cooked in butter and garlic, simmered with broth, then enriched with heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Finished off with a hint of lemon juice, this side dish is perfect for a cozy meal and pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian delight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Leeks and Aromatics
- 2 large leeks, cleaned, halved and thinly sliced (about 4-5 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- pinch of red pepper flakes
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup broth, vegetable or chicken
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
- juice of a half a small lemon (about 1-2 tsp lemon juice)
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Leeks and Aromatics: Clean your leeks thoroughly to remove any dirt, then halve and thinly slice them. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leeks, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the leeks start to wilt and become fragrant.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the broth (vegetable or chicken) and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the leeks cook gently for 8-10 minutes until they are very soft and tender, absorbing the flavors of the broth.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium, and stir in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese. Cook the mixture for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Serve: Squeeze the juice of half a small lemon over the creamed leeks, adjusting to your preference. Give it a final stir, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this rich and flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly as dirt can get trapped between layers.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Parmesan adds a salty depth, but you can omit it for a vegetarian or lower sodium option.
- Lemon juice brightens the dish; add gradually to avoid overpowering the creaminess.
