Prepare to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Warm Leek Salad (Prasosalata) that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece! Imagine tender, silky leeks kissed by olive oil and balsamic vinegar, crowned with crumbling feta cheese - a simple yet sensational dish that proves sometimes the most unassuming ingredients create the most memorable flavors. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this recipe will revolutionize how you think about salads forever!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 leeks, trimmed and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the leeks. Trim the root ends and the tough green tops, leaving only the tender white and light green parts. Slice the leeks lengthwise and then into thin half-moons. Rinse the sliced leeks thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, then drain well.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced leeks to the skillet. Sauté the leeks gently for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. Be careful not to brown them; you want them to cook down gently.
- While the leeks are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Set aside.
- Once the leeks have softened, remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the warm leeks and toss gently to combine, ensuring the leeks are well coated.
- Transfer the warm leek mixture to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the leeks.
- Garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the warm leek salad immediately as a delightful side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!
Tips
- Leek Cleaning Hack: Slice leeks first, then rinse thoroughly between layers to remove all hidden dirt and sand.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Sauté leeks gently to achieve a soft, silky texture without browning or burning.
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar for the most authentic flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed warm, so time your preparation to serve right after cooking.
- Customize Your Salad: Try adding toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra texture and heat.
- Feta Freshness: Use fresh, high-quality feta cheese for the most authentic Greek taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 104kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 6mg
