Ingredients

3 lbs baby leeks , trimmed and washed and cut in half
salt and pepper
2 ounces butter
3 ounces plain flour
425 ml milk
6 ounces cheddar cheese , grated
1 ounce parmesan cheese , grated
1 tablespoon coarse grain mustard
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
freshly grated nutmeg
2 -3 tablespoons fresh white breadcrumbs
1 ounce grated cheddar cheese
Leeks are members of the onion family and have a mild onion-like flavour. They are often used in soups and stews but also make a great side dish. This recipe for Leeks with Mustards and Cheese takes this simple vegetable to the next level by combining it with two different types of mustard and two different types of cheese. The result is a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. The dish can be served alongside roast beef, chicken or pork and is sure to impress your guests.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.
2.Trim off any wilted or damaged parts of the leeks and slice in half lengthways. Season with salt and pepper and cook in boiling water for 6 minutes. Drain and layer the leeks in a large ovenproof dish.
3.Melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat. Once melted, add the plain flour and whisk together. Cook gently for 1 minute.
4.Gradually add the milk, whisking the whole time to make sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5.Remove from the heat and add the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, both types of mustard, a pinch of nutmeg and a little more seasoning. Stir until the cheese has melted and then pour over the cooked leeks in the dish.
6.Top with the fresh white breadcrumbs and extra grated cheddar cheese and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbling on top.

PROS

This dish is rich, creamy and absolutely delicious.
The combination of leeks, mustard and cheese is a match made in heaven.
It makes a great side dish for any meal but is particularly good with roast chicken, beef or pork.

The dish can be made ahead of time and heated up when required, making it perfect for entertaining.

CONS

This dish is quite high in calories and fat so should be enjoyed in moderation.
The breadcrumbs on top of the dish can be left out if preferred, to make it a little lighter.

The preparation time is quite long for this recipe so it may not be suitable for a quick mid-week meal.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Leeks are a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and iron. They are also high in antioxidants which can help to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Mustard contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is also a good source of vitamins A, C and K.
Cheese is a good source of calcium which is important for healthy bones and teeth. It is also high in protein which is important for maintaining muscle mass.

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