The flavor was fantastic, but my leeks were so leathery on the outside I had to go back to the kitchen for steak knives. We had to spit out the toughest bits. These were fresh leeks from my garden. The insides were tender, so I know I cooked them long enough. I think the temperature was awfully high. I've never had much luck braising leeks so I wonder if anyone has any words of wisdom for me.
Here's the recipe from Bon Appetit. I'll never be able to afford to dine at Osteria Mozza, even if I could get a reservation. And I probably couldn't afford Burrata cheese, even if I knew where to find it. Fresh mozzarella was just fine.
LEEKS VINAIGRETTE WITH BURRATA CHEESE AND MUSTARD BREADCRUMBS
Bon Appétit, September 2008
Most burrata—cream-filled fresh mozzarella—is made in just two places: Puglia and Southern California. But this addictive cheese is catching on. Chef Nancy Silverton combines it with leeks and breadcrumbs at her (and Mario Batali's) Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. Look for burrata at Italian delis and cheese stores.
Makes 8 servings
by Chef Nancy Silverton of Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles, CA
Breadcrumbs:
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
1/4 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 16-ounce loaf country white bread, crusts trimmed, bread diced
Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
2/3 cup olive oil
Leeks:
8 medium leeks, each cut to 6-inch length, root ends trimmed
11/2 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 large fresh thyme sprigs
1 large lemon, cut into very thin rounds
Chopped fresh Italian parsley
16 ounces burrata cheese or fresh waterpacked mozzarella cheese, sliced
For breadcrumbs:
Preheat oven to 250°F. Toast mustard seeds in skillet over medium heat until beginning to darken and pop, about 5 minutes; transfer to bowl and cool. Grind seeds to powder in spice mill.
Whisk whole grain mustard, wine, oil, and ground mustard seeds in medium bowl. Season mustard coating with salt and pepper. Toss bread pieces and coating in large bowl to coat evenly. Spread bread out on rimmed baking sheet.
Bake bread pieces until dried and slightly colored, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool completely. Using potato masher, coarsely crush bread on sheet. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm in 350°F oven 4 to 5 minutes before using.
For vinaigrette:
Place first 3 ingredients in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature and rewhisk before using.
For leeks:
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 450°F. Cut leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse under cold water to remove any grit between layers; drain on paper towels. Arrange leeks, cut side down, in single layer in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour broth over; drizzle with oil. Top with thyme sprigs and lemon slices. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
Bake leeks 35 minutes. Uncover; discard lemon. Bake leeks uncovered until very tender and browned, and liquid is almost evaporated, about 50 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Serve or let stand up to 2 hours.
Arrange 2 leeks on each plate; sprinkle with vinaigrette, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Arrange cheese alongside.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/LEEKS-VINAIGRETTE-WITH-BURRATA-CHEESE-AND-MUSTARD-BREADCRUMBS-243439
Here's the recipe from Bon Appetit. I'll never be able to afford to dine at Osteria Mozza, even if I could get a reservation. And I probably couldn't afford Burrata cheese, even if I knew where to find it. Fresh mozzarella was just fine.
LEEKS VINAIGRETTE WITH BURRATA CHEESE AND MUSTARD BREADCRUMBS
Bon Appétit, September 2008
Most burrata—cream-filled fresh mozzarella—is made in just two places: Puglia and Southern California. But this addictive cheese is catching on. Chef Nancy Silverton combines it with leeks and breadcrumbs at her (and Mario Batali's) Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. Look for burrata at Italian delis and cheese stores.
Makes 8 servings
by Chef Nancy Silverton of Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles, CA
Breadcrumbs:
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
1/4 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 16-ounce loaf country white bread, crusts trimmed, bread diced
Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
2/3 cup olive oil
Leeks:
8 medium leeks, each cut to 6-inch length, root ends trimmed
11/2 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 large fresh thyme sprigs
1 large lemon, cut into very thin rounds
Chopped fresh Italian parsley
16 ounces burrata cheese or fresh waterpacked mozzarella cheese, sliced
For breadcrumbs:
Preheat oven to 250°F. Toast mustard seeds in skillet over medium heat until beginning to darken and pop, about 5 minutes; transfer to bowl and cool. Grind seeds to powder in spice mill.
Whisk whole grain mustard, wine, oil, and ground mustard seeds in medium bowl. Season mustard coating with salt and pepper. Toss bread pieces and coating in large bowl to coat evenly. Spread bread out on rimmed baking sheet.
Bake bread pieces until dried and slightly colored, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool completely. Using potato masher, coarsely crush bread on sheet. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm in 350°F oven 4 to 5 minutes before using.
For vinaigrette:
Place first 3 ingredients in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature and rewhisk before using.
For leeks:
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 450°F. Cut leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse under cold water to remove any grit between layers; drain on paper towels. Arrange leeks, cut side down, in single layer in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour broth over; drizzle with oil. Top with thyme sprigs and lemon slices. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
Bake leeks 35 minutes. Uncover; discard lemon. Bake leeks uncovered until very tender and browned, and liquid is almost evaporated, about 50 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Serve or let stand up to 2 hours.
Arrange 2 leeks on each plate; sprinkle with vinaigrette, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Arrange cheese alongside.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/LEEKS-VINAIGRETTE-WITH-BURRATA-CHEESE-AND-MUSTARD-BREADCRUMBS-243439