Glazed Leeks With Pine Nut Salsa Verde

Tender leeks glazed in a sweet and tangy honey-chile sauce, topped with a vibrant salsa verde made with toasted pine nuts, parsley, and capers. This elegant side dish combines delicate leeks with bold Mediterranean flavors.

6 servings
44 min

Ingredients

  • 6 whole leeks
  • 1 to taste kosher salt
  • 1 whole red chile
  • ¼ cup honey
  • cup sherry vinegar
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ½ cup parsley
  • cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon capers
  • 1 to taste black pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Trim root ends of leeks (leave as intact as possible so they don't break apart while cooking) and cook in a large pot of boiling salted water until meltingly tender (a paring knife should slide through the thickest part with no resistance), 15-20 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and let cool.

    20 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, bring chile, honey, 3/4 cup vinegar, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Halve leeks lengthwise and transfer to a serving dish with high sides (you want the glaze to cover leeks enough to coat). Pour warm vinegar mixture over leeks and set aside.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until golden brown, 5-7 minutes. Let cool.

    7 min

  5. 5.

    Toss pine nuts, parsley, oil, capers, and remaining 2 Tbsp. vinegar in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    To serve, give leeks another toss in the glaze; spoon pine nut salsa verde over.

    2 min