This stuffed leek recipe is a delicious and hearty dish, combining tender leeks with a flavorful chicken and rice filling. It’s perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s both nutritious and comforting.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Leeks: 2, cut into 4-inch sections, hollowed out
- Minced Chicken: 500g (1 lb)
- Rice: 100g (1/2 cup), cooked
- Dried Garlic: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Milk: 2 tbsp
- Tomato Paste: 2 tsp
- Water: 200 ml (3/4 cup)
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1, grated
- Tomatoes: 2, diced
- Bell Pepper: 1, diced
- Sour Cream: 1 tbsp
- Mayonnaise: 1 tbsp
- Mustard: 1 tsp
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix minced chicken, cooked rice, dried garlic, paprika, milk, salt, and black pepper. Combine well.
- Stuff the Leeks:
- Hollow out the leeks and stuff them with the chicken mixture, pressing gently to ensure they’re well-filled.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the onion, minced garlic, and grated carrot until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and water. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Stuffed Leeks:
- Place the stuffed leeks in the pan with the sauce. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, turning them occasionally.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and mustard. Spread this mixture over the stuffed leeks.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the leeks and sauce to a baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
Cooking Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- Use a piping bag to easily fill the leeks with the chicken mixture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding chili flakes for some heat.
Nutritional Benefits
- Leeks: High in fiber and antioxidants.
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein.
- Rice: Provides energy from complex carbohydrates.
Dietary Information
- Contains Dairy. For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein and flavor.
- A comforting and nutritious family dinner.
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices and add-ins.
- Perfect for meal prep or making ahead.
Conclusion
Stuffed leeks with minced chicken are a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. The tender leeks and savory filling, combined with the rich sauce, make for an unforgettable meal. Try this recipe for a wholesome and hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another meat? Yes, minced turkey or beef works well.
- What type of rice should I use? Long-grain or basmati rice is ideal.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Replace chicken with a mix of lentils and vegetables.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- What if I don’t have leeks? Use bell peppers, zucchini, or cabbage leaves instead.
- Can I make the sauce creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce.
- How do I hollow out the leeks? Use a small knife or the end of a spoon to carefully remove the inner layers.
- What can I serve this with? Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
- How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the dish? Yes, freeze it in portions for up to 2 months.