Portuguese Charred Leeks with Vinaigrette

Introduction

Portuguese cuisine is all about bold flavors and simple ingredients that come together to create something amazing. This recipe for Portuguese Charred Leeks with Vinaigrette is no different. By grilling the leeks directly on the Arteflame grill, you get a rich, smoky char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. The heat zones of the Arteflame allow for optimal charring without burning, and the drizzle of a light vinaigrette brings a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. A must-try side dish for any grilling session!

Ingredients

• 4 large leeks, trimmed and cleaned
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp honey (optional for subtle sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins inside the grill’s fire bowl.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and ignite the paper.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the cooktop reaches optimal temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Leeks

1. Rinse the leeks well to remove any trapped dirt.
2. Trim the roots but leave them intact to keep the leeks together.
3. Brush the leeks generously with melted butter.

Step 3: Grill the Leeks

1. Place the leeks directly on the Arteflame flat cooktop near the center where the heat is highest.
2. Grill for about 5 minutes per side, turning occasionally until they are well-charred but still tender inside.
3. Move the grilled leeks to the cooler edge of the cooktop as needed to prevent over-charring.

Step 4: Prepare the Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and honey.
2. Mix well until emulsified.

Step 5: Serve

1. Place the charred leeks on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the grilled leeks.
3. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
4. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips

• If the leeks are very thick, slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even grilling.
• As butter has a lower smoke point than oil, keep the leeks moving to prevent burning.
• Adjust the grill zones as needed; move the leeks towards cooler zones if they're charring too quickly.

Variations

1. Portuguese Citrus Twist: Add zest of one lemon and a squeeze of fresh juice into the vinaigrette for a citrusy balance.
2. Spicy Piri-Piri Leeks: Mix a teaspoon of piri-piri sauce into the vinaigrette for an added Portuguese heat kick.
3. Garlic Butter Leeks: Replace the vinaigrette with a drizzle of garlic-infused melted butter.
4. Honey Balsamic Glazed Leeks: Swap red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar and add extra honey for a deeper, sweeter glaze.
5. Chorizo Infused Leeks: Serve the leeks with crispy, grilled chorizo bits for a smoky-salty bite.

Conclusion

These Portuguese Charred Leeks with Vinaigrette showcase how grilling can enhance simple ingredients into something spectacular. The smoky char pairs beautifully with the bright, bold vinaigrette, making this a must-have side dish at any cookout. With the Arteflame grill, you achieve perfect texture and flavor effortlessly. Try it today!

Best Pairings

• Grilled Portuguese Piri-Piri Chicken
• Smoky Grilled Fish with Lemon Butter
• Fire-Roasted Vegetables
• Fresh Rustic Bread for soaking up the vinaigrette
• Portuguese Vinho Verde or crisp white wine