Zucchini with olives and couscous garnish

Leeks with olives and couscous side dish: a delicious and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 2

In a world full of quick and easy recipes, leeks with olives stand out as an absolutely delicious choice, perfect for a healthy meal prepared with love. This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, as it can be served with various side dishes. It is also ideal for those days when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Leeks are often an underrated ingredient, but with a delicate taste and crunchy texture, they find their place in both hot and cold dishes. Combined with olives, this duo becomes a true feast for the taste buds. Let’s discover together how to prepare this recipe!

Ingredients

- 1 large leek (approximately 200g)
- 250g jumbo olives (preferably pitted)
- 250ml tomato juice
- 100ml dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 100g couscous
- 1 package of frozen vegetables (carrot, celery, parsley, parsnip)
- ½ bell pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons oil for garnish

Preparing leeks with olives

1. Preparing the leeks: Start by washing the leeks thoroughly under cold running water. Cut off the green part from the base, leaving only the white part, which will be cut into segments of about 3 cm. This part will be cooked and absorb the flavors of the dish.

2. Boiling the leeks: Place the leek segments in a pot of salted water and let them boil for 15 minutes. This will help soften the leeks, giving them a pleasant and delicious texture. Don’t forget to check occasionally to ensure they don’t become too soft.

3. Sautéing the leeks: In a skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the leeks are boiled, drain them well and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, turning them on all sides to lightly brown. This step will enhance the flavor of the leeks.

4. Adding the ingredients: Once the leeks are browned, add the olives, white wine, and tomato juice. Mix well and add salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, so the flavors meld and create a delicious sauce.

5. Thickening the sauce: In a small bowl, mix a few tablespoons of the sauce with the cornstarch. This will help thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and add the teaspoon of sugar. The latter will balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add a sweet-sour taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes and turn off the heat.

Preparing the couscous side dish

1. Boiling the vegetables: In another pot, bring water to a boil and add the frozen vegetables. Boil them for 30 minutes with a bit of salt, until they become tender and flavorful.

2. Cooking the couscous: In a separate skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and, once heated, add a boiled carrot cut into cubes and the finely chopped bell pepper. Sauté together for 5 minutes, then add the couscous and enough vegetable broth to cover it. Let it cook for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and cover the skillet to allow the grains to absorb the liquid.

Serving

Finally, you can serve the leeks with olives alongside the flavored couscous. A great idea is to also add a winter salad, prepared beforehand, to complete the meal. This combination is not only delicious but also very healthy, being rich in fiber and vitamins.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of olives, such as green or black, to achieve a variety of flavors. Also, consider adding fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, at the end for an extra touch of freshness.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with approximately 350 calories per serving. Leeks are an excellent source of vitamin K and folate, while olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use leeks in other recipes? Absolutely! Leeks are versatile and can be used in soups, stews, or even grilled.
- Can this recipe be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare the leeks and sauce a day ahead, and the next day reheat everything and prepare the couscous side dish.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or mint lemonade are excellent choices to complement the meal.

I hope this recipe for leeks with olives and couscous side dish has inspired you to try something new and delicious! Enjoy your meal!