6 thin leeks, outer leaves removed and cleaned
300 ml/11/2 pint milk
150 ml/11/4 pint water
salt
1 quantity Béchamel sauce
flavoured with nutmeg
2 X 15 ml spoons/2 tbsp dried breadcrumbs
1 x 15 ml spoons/1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Cut the leeks into thumb-sized pieces and place in a pan with the milk and water and a little salt to taste. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are tender, about 5-15 minutes depending on the freshness of the leeks. Drain the leeks and save the liquid. Keep the leeks warm. Use 300 ml/1/2 pint of the cooking liquid to make the Bechamel sauce (the plain or rich sauce may be used).
Methods:
Place the leeks in a heatproof dish and pour over the sauce. Mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the top. Brown under a hot grill.
Variations
Cauliflower cheese
Cook the cauliflower in water until tender, drain and continue as above. Fennel in cheese sauce As for cauliflower cheese.
Broccoli in cheese sauce
As for cauliflower cheese.
Celery in cheese sauce. As for cauliflower cheese. Alternatively, braise celery in vegetable stock in a moderate oven until tender, drain and proceed as above.
Leek rolls
Leave leeks whole and proceed as above. Wrap leeks in ham for non-vegetarians and bake for 30 minutes in a moderate oven.
Leeks in blue cheese
Substitute Danish blue, Gorgonzola or Stilton cheese when making the sauce. Do be careful not to over-salt. Vegetable cheese surprise Make any of the vegetable cheese dishes, but add one or two of the suggestions below before pouring over the sauce. Bake for 30 minutes in a moderate oven, or in the microwave for 10-12 minutes on HIGH.
Add one or two of the following: 4 quartered tomatoes
3 chopped spring onions
50 g/2 oz cashew nuts
50 g/2 oz walnuts
400 g/14 oz can butter beans 400 g/14 oz can brown beans
2 X 15 ml spoons/2 tbsp parsley
Any of the vegetables mentioned may be cooked in the microwave in 4 tbsp water for approximately 7-9 minutes on HIGH. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for precise timings. The sauce may be cooked in the microwave, but the topping needs to be grilled as it will be soggy if cooked in the microwave.