Leek, Apple and Feta Side Dish

"This is a simple, easy side dish, very comforting and nutrient-rich, to serve with meat and potatoes. Leeks and apples go together very well -- and at the end of the instructions I add the many variations you could try. So if you do not have the spices, for example, there are easy alternatives."
 
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photo by *Parsley* photo by *Parsley*
photo by *Parsley*
Ready In:
1hr 15mins
Ingredients:
13
Serves:
4-6
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ingredients

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directions

  • Young leeks (baby leeks or ramps) are nicest.
  • Make sure large leeks are cleaned of all soil. Slice off most of green tops, then slice down into the leek "leaves", open the "leaves" and rinse under a tap.
  • Slice leeks into 2 inch lengths and parboil -- this takes care of the "windy" aftereffects leeks can have! Drain.
  • Set oven at 350 deg. F or 180 deg Celsius Those with convection ovens might want to use a lower setting.
  • Grease an oven dish of roughly 8 x 8 x 3 inches,or 18 x 18 x 8cm.
  • Peel apples, and slice thinly. Pack into bottom of dish. You should have at least 2 layers, else use an extra apple. Season lightly with salt, pepper and ground nutmeg. (If using a sour apple like Granny Smith, sprinkle over a teaspoon or more of sugar or substitute).
  • Crumble over the feta, and also the chopped garlic.
  • Layer over the drained leeks. Sprinkle with the fennel and cumin seeds, and season again lightly with salt, pepper, nutmeg and a few drops of hot sauce.
  • Measure the milk into a saucepan, add the flour, and whisk until it comes to boiling. Remove from heat immediately -- the white sauce contains no butter and could burn at the bottom.
  • Ladle over the leeks. Sprinkle top generously with a seasoned salt, or with salt and dried herbs, or a barbecue spice.
  • Bake for about 50 - 60 minutes, or until the dish has puffed slightly all over and the edges are turning a pale brown.
  • Delicious with meats and a filling but light side dish.
  • **Please note that this recipe is very adaptable. You could bake it in a pie crust by adding 2 eggs to the white sauce. You could add fried, chopped bacon. You could use chopped fresh herbs instead of the spices.

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Reviews

  1. Of always loved leeks, apples and onions together, and this is no exception. The cumin and fennel seeds really put this over the top. I think the fennel seeds especially, are essential. My apples were the Golden Delicious variety. I did double the garlic and I added an extra 2 oz of feta cheese to the white sauce. This is another one of those "side dishes" that I could eat as a meal alone. Thanx for another great recipe!
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I'm a widow, retired, and I love cooking. I live on the coast in South Africa and I love seafood. You're welcome to my recipes (all kinds, definitely not just seafood!) Just remember that no recipe is ever cast in stone -- adjust to your taste! The photo was taken at a rustic seaside restaurant on our West Coast, approx 1 year ago (2016).
 
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