Swedish Grilled Leeks with Brown Butter

Introduction

Swedish Grilled Leeks with Brown Butter is an incredibly flavorful and simple dish that brings out the natural sweetness of leeks. By grilling them on the Arteflame, you achieve a beautiful caramelization that enhances their taste and texture. The finishing touch of nutty brown butter takes this dish to the next level, creating a rich and decadent flavor profile. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this recipe is ideal for impressing guests with minimal effort. The Arteflame grill ensures even cooking without burning, and the result is absolutely mouthwatering!

Ingredients

• 4 large leeks, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Fire up the Arteflame grill by pouring some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and placing them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and wait about 20 minutes until the grill is ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Leeks

1. Trim the ends of the leeks and slice them in half lengthwise.
2. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
3. Pat them dry and season with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Grill the Leeks

1. Place the leeks cut-side down on the Arteflame flat cooktop griddle.
2. Grill near the center cooktop for about 5 minutes until they start to caramelize.
3. Flip the leeks and cook for another 5-7 minutes until fully tender.

Step 4: Make the Brown Butter

1. Move the leeks to a cooler section of the grill.
2. Place the butter directly on the flat cooktop and let it melt.
3. Stir occasionally until the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.

Step 5: Serve

1. Drizzle the brown butter over the grilled leeks.
2. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Tips

• Use fresh, firm leeks with bright green tops for the best flavor.
• Grilling the leeks on the hotter part of the griddle first helps achieve a good caramelization.
• Browning the butter carefully ensures it enhances the dish without burning.

Variations

1. Cheesy Leeks: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the leeks just before serving for a rich, umami boost.
2. Spicy Leeks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a little heat.
3. Herb-Infused Leeks: Stir fresh thyme or rosemary into the butter while it browns.
4. Lemon Garlic Leeks: Mix minced garlic and extra lemon zest into the butter before drizzling.
5. Smoky Leeks: Use smoked paprika to season the leeks for a deeper, smokier taste.

Conclusion

Grilled Leeks with Brown Butter is proof that simplicity can create incredible flavor. The natural sweetness of leeks, combined with the smoky heat of the Arteflame grill and the richness of brown butter, makes for a dish that's unforgettable. Using the Arteflame brings out the best grilling results, ensuring that the leeks are perfectly tender with a caramelized exterior. Whether served as a side dish or a light starter, this Swedish-inspired recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Best Pairings

• Grilled salmon or steak for a hearty meal
• Roasted potatoes with herbs and butter
• A crisp Swedish cider or dry white wine
• Fresh-baked sourdough bread for soaking up the buttery goodness