Sauteed Broccolini with Caramelized Leeks

gfchow.com
4 servings
​Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Water for steaming Broccolini
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil divided
• 1 Leek washed, trimmed and sliced
• 1 Bunch of Broccolini approx. 20 spears
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to taste

Preparation​​​
Leek

• Wash and dry leek. Cut off top 1”. Cut Leek in half lengthwise and then slice both halves. (see above picture)
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to a large pan and heat on medium high. Once heated add the leek slices.
• Cook for 5-6 minutes, until leeks become browned. Using tongs, give a stir or two.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Set aside.

Broccolini

• Using the same pan, give a quick wipe-down using paper towels.
• While leeks are cooking, trim 1/2” off bottom ends and cut any fat spears in half lengthwise. (Ideally, all spears should be the same size).
• Add enough water to the pan so that the broccolini will be partially submerged. Heat to boiling and then turn down heat to a medium simmer.
• Once water is simmering, carefully add the broccolini and cook for 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and transfer broccolini to a colander or plate. Immediately run cold tap water over broccolini and add ice cubes to stop the cooking and lock-in the beautiful green color.

Assembly

• Using the same pan, remove the water, give a quick wipe down with paper towels again and add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Heat on medium-high. Once heated, add the cooked broccolini and leeks and reheat for approximately 2-3 minutes until heated through using tongs to stir a couple of times.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to a platter and serve.

NotesLeeks can hide a lot of dirt in them.  Always be sure to wash thoroughly.  You may need to rewash them after you cut them in half lengthwise if you see more dirt.
Leeks are part of the onion family. Scallions, chives or onions can be substituted for the leeks.
The leeks can be omitted from this recipe if that’s your preference.