Charred Leeks with Welsh Mustard Dressing

Introduction

Elevate your grilling game with these smoky, sweet charred leeks, enhanced with a tangy Welsh mustard dressing. Grilled to tender perfection on the Arteflame, these leeks become beautifully caramelized while maintaining a delicious bite. The combination of mild leek sweetness and bold mustard zing creates a side dish that pairs wonderfully with any grilled protein. Plus, cooking everything on the Arteflame ensures an effortless and flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients

• 4 large leeks
• 2 tbsp Welsh mustard
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped chives

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is heated.

Step 2: Prepare the leeks

1. Trim the darker green tops off the leeks and slice them in half lengthwise.
2. Rinse under running water to remove any dirt between the layers.
3. Pat them dry using a towel.

Step 3: Grill the leeks

1. Brush the leeks with melted butter.
2. Place them cut-side down on the hotter area of the flat griddle cooktop.
3. Allow them to char for about 4-5 minutes until they develop dark grill marks.
4. Flip them and move them toward a slightly cooler section to cook through for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the mustard dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine Welsh mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk together until smooth.

Step 5: Dress and serve

1. Remove the grilled leeks from the Arteflame and place them on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the mustard dressing generously over the leeks.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and chives.
4. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips

• For extra caramelization, brush the leeks with additional butter as they cook.
• Use a grill press to ensure even charring on the flat top cooktop.
• Move the leeks to different heat zones of the Arteflame to fine-tune their texture.

Variations

1. Smoky Bacon Leeks: Sprinkle crispy grilled bacon bits over the leeks before serving for added crunch and smokiness.
2. Cheesy Leeks: Add crumbled blue cheese or shaved parmesan on top of hot leeks for a rich umami boost.
3. Spicy Honey Leeks: Mix in a teaspoon of chili flakes with the mustard dressing for a kick.
4. Garlic Butter Leeks: Grill the leeks with minced garlic-infused butter instead of plain butter.
5. Maple Glazed Leeks: Substitute honey for maple syrup in the dressing for a deeper sweetness.

Conclusion

Cooking these charred leeks on the Arteflame grill results in an impressive side dish with the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The Welsh mustard dressing elevates their taste, making them an ideal complement to any grilled meal. Experiment with different variations to suit your taste and enjoy the effortless grilling experience!

Best Pairings

• Grilled Steak: The rich mustard dressing pairs beautifully with perfectly seared beef.
• Smoked Chicken: Tangy mustard complements the deep smoke flavor of grilled chicken.
• Grilled Salmon: The sweetness of the mustard dressing balances the fatty richness of salmon.
• Charred Bread: Serve leeks over warm, grilled sourdough for texture contrast.