Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 rashers streaky bacon, diced
- 4 medium leeks, trimmed, washed, and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite strong cheese)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
- Prepare the leeks: Wash the leeks thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove the dark green parts and the roots. Thinly slice the white and light green portions of the leeks.
- Cook the bacon: Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Sauté the leeks: Keep some of the rendered bacon fat in the pan, adding a tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the sliced leeks to the pan and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze and create the sauce: Add the white wine to the pan with the leeks, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for a minute or two until the wine is reduced by half. Then, stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme leaves. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Reduce heat and allow the sauce to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the cooked bacon and half of the grated cheese. Simmer for another minute to melt the cheese.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately, garnishing with the remaining grated cheese and extra thyme if desired. Pair this dish with grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or a crusty loaf of bread.
Tips
- If you prefer, you can substitute the bacon with pancetta or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses. Parmesan or Gruyère would work beautifully as well.
- Creamed leeks make a fantastic side dish but can also be served over pasta for a more substantial meal.
