Braised Leeks, Peas, and Lettuce

A delicate spring dish combining tender braised leeks with sweet peas and lettuce, brightened with fresh herbs and topped with crunchy pistachios. This elegant side dish features a light white wine sauce and fresh mint and chives.

4 servings
20 min

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 whole leeks
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 2 heads Little Gem lettuce
  • 1 lb frozen peas
  • 2 Tbsp chives
  • 2 Tbsp mint
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ¼ cup roasted pistachios
  • ¼ cup salted pistachios
  • ¼ cup pistachios

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Melt butter in a large wide saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook leeks, partially covered and stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned, 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper, then pour in wine. Increase heat to medium-high and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until wine is reduced by half, 1-2 minutes. Add lettuce, peas, and 1 cup water. Partially cover pan and bring liquid to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until lettuce and peas are tender, about 5 minutes.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Remove from heat, then stir in chives, mint, and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter. Top with pistachios.

    5 min