Recipe: Leeks Braised in Olive Oil and Lemon Juice (Turkish)

LEEKS BRAISED IN OLIVE OIL AND LEMON JUICE

2 1/2 pounds leeks
3 small carrots
6 tablespoons fine olive oil
3 tablespoons uncooked rice
salt (to taste)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Remove coarse outer leaves and tough green leaves from leeks. Trim off roots. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces and wash well to remove all traces of soil. Drain.

Put leeks in a heavy saucepan with carrots and olive oil, cover, and let sweat over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the leeks cook, add a few tablespoons of water as needed. The finished dish should have plenty of sauce but not be soupy.

Sprinkle in rice, some salt, add the water and sugar; cover and simmer 30 to 40 minutes until vegetables are soft.

Stir in the lemon juice, adjust with salt, and remove from heat. Let cool.

Serve cold or at room temperature, with lemon juice. The leeks will keep 3 days in the refrigerator.

Servings: 4
Source: Classical Turkish Cooking by Ayla Algar