Melted Leek Pasta with Lemon-Dill Breadcrumbs Recipe

For a simple meal that’s wealthy however not heavy, look no additional than this fast dish that includes leeks and spaghetti with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Thinly sliced leeks, cooked slowly in butter till meltingly tender, are the quiet showstopper right here, forming the bottom of a silky sauce when combined with flour, hen inventory, and pasta cooking liquid. The sunshine allium notes and delicate sweetness of the leeks shine with this therapy, whereas the warmth from crushed crimson pepper flakes and brightness from lemon and dill spherical out all of the flavors. The sauce is silky, shiny, and wealthy sufficient to cling to each strand of pasta. 

The pasta could be nice if we stopped there — however we don’t. The ending flourish is a bathe of panko breadcrumbs which are toasted in butter with crushed almonds till fantastically golden with a hearty crunch. Recent dill and lemon zest lend freshness, zip, and springtime vibes to the strong breadcrumb combination. Every chew of pasta captures candy, jammy leeks; completely cooked pasta; and herby, crunchy, citrus-scented panko for a scrumptious stability of textures and flavors.

This vivid, cozy dish is weeknight-friendly, requiring solely a 40-minute time funding. You can also make it vegetarian through the use of vegetable broth as a substitute of hen inventory and looking for out Parmesan cheese made with vegetarian rennet. A nut-free model works as nicely with further panko instead of almonds, or substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Serve with a easy inexperienced salad for a cultured dinner with minimal effort. 

Two methods to wash leeks

Leeks are infamous for harboring sand and filth, so that you’ll want to clean them completely. You’ll be able to strategy this in two methods. For both methodology, begin by trimming off the basis finish and the darkish inexperienced leaves, leaving the tender white and light-weight inexperienced elements. Then thinly slice the leeks, and submerge the slices in a bowl of water, agitating them to dislodge any filth. Carry out the leek slices together with your fingers, permitting the soiled water to empty. Pat the slices dry earlier than continuing. The second methodology is to slice every trimmed leek in half lengthwise and run them beneath cool water, separating the layers to achieve any filth in between. Then drain, and pat dry. 

Scrumptious methods to differ this recipe

The saucy leek combination takes nicely to different pasta shapes moreover spaghetti. Linguine or fettuccine would even be nice — or a brief, twisted form that may catch all of the bits of leek, reminiscent of cavatappi, cascatelli, or farfalle. Instead of almonds within the panko topping, you possibly can go for a complicated pairing of chopped hazelnuts and hazelnut oil as a substitute of butter. For a protein enhance, toss in grilled hen or shrimp. And for an extra-creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche on the finish.

Notes from the Meals & Wine Take a look at Kitchen – 3 bullets

• The pasta has slightly kick from the crushed crimson pepper. Should you don’t need the warmth, omit it totally or scale back the quantity to 1/4 teaspoon.
• Don’t toss the leek tops — freeze them in a freezer bag, including extra trimmings till you have got sufficient on your subsequent batch of inventory.
• The sauce will thicken because it stands. Hold including pasta water till it’s slightly looser than you suppose it needs to be; it’ll find yourself on the good consistency while you take it off the warmth. 

Urged pairing

Pair this comforting pasta with a vivid, lemony white, reminiscent of Bonny Doon Winery Picpoul, to reinforce the citrus notes within the sauce and panko topping.

This recipe was developed by Nicole Hopper; the textual content was written by Ann Taylor Pittman.