Rice Pilaf with Leeks / Pilaf de Praz

Directions

1. Wash and chop the leeks into small rings. In a pot, bring a large amount of water to a boil over a high flame.  Once boiling, blanch the leeks for just 30 seconds in the boiling water. Drain the leeks and rinse with cold water.

2. In a separate strainer, rinse the rice in cold water and drain. Set both aside. Peel and finely chop the onion and set aside.

3. Over a medium-high flame, begin to heat the oil in a large, oven-safe sauce pan or pot. Once warm, add the rice. It may pop as there will still be water on the rice kernels. Do not wait until the oil is too hot. Sauté the rice in the pan for about 3 minutes or until lightly browned.

4. To the rice, add the water, vegeta, leeks, onions, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Bring the rice to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes. Preheat oven to medium-high.

5. Cover the rice and bake in a medium-high temperature oven for 5-10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Serve hot.

 

Notes: This is a delicious dish, which takes a little time but is well worth it. It’s very nice garnished with grated cheese.

 

Substitutions: Leeks/Red Peppers, plus extra seasoning. Vegeta/1 bouillon cube.