Braised Leeks & Mushrooms
Savory and succulent, these braised leeks and shitake mushrooms are a delightful vegan dish that will leave you wanting more. This recipe combines the delicate flavors of leeks and shitake mushrooms with the rich taste of sherry and a hint of citrus from the orange. It's perfect for a cozy night in or to impress your guests at a dinner party.
Yield
6 servingsPrep
10 minCook
10 minReady
20 minHistory of leeks
They're not just for warding off evil spirits or winning battles like the Welsh did back in the day.
These humble, onion-like veggies have a rich history and a whole bunch of health benefits that'll make you want to add them to your grocery list.
Leeks are part of the same family as onions and garlic, and they've been around for quite a while.
We're talking about ancient Egypt and Rome, where they were popular food choices.
Fast forward to today, and leeks are still a staple in many cuisines, especially in Europe and the Middle East.
Health benefits of leeks
Leeks are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as manganese and iron. They're also a great source of antioxidants, which may help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Some studies even suggest that leeks may have anti-inflammatory properties and could help lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Not too shabby for a simple green veggie, huh?
Health benefits of shitake mushrooms
Shitake mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and converting food into energy.
They also contain a good amount of vitamin D, crucial for bone health and immune system function.
Speaking of the immune system, shitake mushrooms are known to have immune-boosting properties.
They contain a compound called lentinan, which has been shown to stimulate the immune system and help fight off infections.
But wait, there's more!
Shitake mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, which may help protect your body against the damaging effects of free radicals.
This can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
In addition to all these amazing benefits, shitake mushrooms are high in fiber and low in calories which make them a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Can you cook leeks and mushrooms together?
Absolutely, you can cook leeks and mushrooms together! In fact, they make a delightful combination that's perfect for a variety of dishes. Here's a simple recipe to get you started right here on this page.
Ingredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¼ | cup |
sherry
dry |
*
|
| 1 | teaspoon |
olive oil
|
|
| 5 | cups |
leeks
thinly sliced |
|
| ½ | teaspoon |
salt
|
*
|
| 1 | cup |
mushrooms, shiitake
thinly sliced |
*
|
| 1 | teaspoon |
orange juice
fresh |
|
| ½ | teaspoon |
orange zest
grated |
|
| 1 | tablespoon |
apple cider vinegar
|
|
| 1 | x |
salt and black pepper
to taste |
*
|
Ingredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | ml |
sherry
dry |
*
|
| 5 | ml |
olive oil
|
|
| 1.2 | l |
leeks
thinly sliced |
|
| 2.5 | ml |
salt
|
*
|
| 237 | ml |
mushrooms, shiitake
thinly sliced |
*
|
| 5 | ml |
orange juice
fresh |
|
| 2.5 | ml |
orange zest
grated |
|
| 15 | ml |
apple cider vinegar
|
|
| 1 | x |
salt and black pepper
to taste |
*
|
Directions
Add the leeks with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt, stirring frequently for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes.
Stir in orange juice, orange zest (peel), and vinegar.
Remove from heat.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
