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Miso Maple Braised Leeks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 86 reviews

This Miso Maple Braised Leeks recipe features tender, caramelized leeks perfectly balanced with savory miso, sweet maple syrup, and umami soy sauce, all roasted to golden perfection. Finished with a bright lemon zest garnish, this elegant side dish combines rich flavors and a luscious texture ideal for elevating any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 small leeks, trimmed, roots intact
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Flaky sea salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup light miso
  • 2–3 tablespoons hot water
  • 1 cup chicken stock, divided
  • 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • Pinch of chili flakes, optional
  • Zest of 1 lemon, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 425˚F (220˚C) to prepare for roasting the leeks later.
  2. Prepare the leeks. Trim off the dark green tops and remove any tough outer leaves from each leek. Slice each leek in half lengthwise, rinse thoroughly under cool water to remove grit, and dry completely.
  3. Make the miso mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the light miso paste and 2-3 tablespoons of hot water until smooth and drizzly. Adjust water as needed for a pourable consistency.
  4. Sear the leeks. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add olive oil. Place the leeks cut side down and sear until caramelized, seasoning generously with sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, and chili flakes if using. Flip and sear the opposite side similarly.
  5. Add liquids to the skillet. Pour half of the chicken stock into the pan. Drizzle the miso mixture around the edges. Allow it to gently simmer, coating the leeks with flavor.
  6. Season and add aromatics. Add the soy sauce, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and mirin to the skillet. Scatter the thinly sliced garlic and butter knobs around the pan. Pour enough remaining chicken stock to cover the leeks halfway.
  7. Roast the leeks. Bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast until the leeks are tender when pierced with a knife and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
  8. Garnish and serve. Remove from oven, sprinkle lemon zest, additional chili flakes if desired, and fresh cracked pepper over the top. Serve hot directly from the pan for a flavorful side dish.

Notes

  • Use light miso for a delicate flavor; darker miso can overpower the sweetness of the maple syrup.
  • Ensure leeks are well cleaned to remove soil trapped between layers.
  • The roasting step caramelizes the sugars in the leeks enhancing their natural sweetness.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
  • Adjust chili flakes based on preferred spice level.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: miso leeks, braised leeks, maple syrup side dish, roasted leeks, Japanese side, umami vegetables

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/miso-maple-braised-leeks-recipe/