If the vegetable aisle was a high school dance, leeks would definitely be standing with the wallflowers. While the flashier vegetables and their savoury fruit friends are taking centre stage, leeks are quietly intensifying the richness of the dishes they inhabit. It’s unfair, though, because when they are allowed the spotlight, they don’t need supporting players.
Before I mix my metaphors any further, let me give you an example. Leeks Vinaigrette is a classic French dish, with good reason. Poached until tender and tossed in a red wine vinegar and walnut oil dressing, they are delicious. Topped with a ‘mimosa’ of shredded egg, they’re also elegant.
Dorie’s version is quick to prepare and made a perfect light supper, with an extra hard-boiled egg each on the side. Cut to any number of high school movie conclusions – the triumph of the wallflower.
You can find the recipe here.
Find out what the rest of the French Fridays crew thought about this week’s recipe: Leeks Vinaigrette with Mimosa
One Wet Foot 
Ah. But the wallflowers are the ones that grow up to have good jobs and drive nice cars 🙂 one should never ignore the wallflowers. Or the leeks…
I enjoyed your metaphors
Simply gorgeous and so springy!
Leeks are quiet… and I am just starting to really appreciate their mellow flavor… love the egg on them.
What Cher said. Wallflowers are often the late bloomers who are worth having around the rest of your life. Or, um…so I’ve heard.
What a clever write-up. Leeks are not popular in North America, that’s for sure. They are so nutritious and well worth the effort necessary to get them to the table. I certainly will make this again and again as I suspect you will.
Other than the poaching part, the rest is simple and yours is very enticing!
A wallflower indeed. But a delicious one! Loved this too. Your dish looks fabulous!
I love your comparison of a leek to a wallflower. Isn’t that the truth? I also like how you added an extra egg to make this a meal!
I love Cher’s comment! Never underestimate the wallflower! I loved this one too! Yours looks lovely! Have a great weekend, Teresa!
These look great Teresa – and yes, what a great quick supper!
Love this Teresa including your metaphors!
I am glad you liked it! I did not dare make them in fear that I won’t like them being on their own. The vinaigrette was great though! Have a lovely week!!
Great description. I love poireaux vinaigrette!