Leek dish with olives

Leek dish with olives - a savory recipe, full of flavors and colors, that will remind you of warm and welcoming meals on autumn days. This recipe is not only simple but also healthy, perfect for a light dinner or a comforting lunch. Using a slow cooker, you will create a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4-6 hours (depending on the slow cooker setting)
Total time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 stalks of leek (choose thicker leeks for better texture)
- 1 red bell pepper (for an extra splash of color and sweetness)
- 1 red onion (slightly sweeter than white onion)
- 200 g olives (preferably green, for a touch of bitterness)
- 3 cloves of garlic (for an intense flavor)
- 200 g tomatoes in puree (or a natural tomato sauce)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil (for a rich taste)
- 200 ml water (or vegetable broth, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon of basil (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (for a more complex flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (for a subtle aroma)

Recipe history:

This leek dish with olives combines ancient culinary traditions, using simple yet flavorful ingredients. Leeks, known for their delicate taste and crunchy texture, are a valued ingredient in many cultures. Olives, on the other hand, bring a distinctive taste and a note of elegance, having been used since ancient times in Mediterranean dishes. Together, these ingredients create a dish that not only nourishes but also delights the senses.

Preparing the dish:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and cleaning the leeks. Cut them into rounds about 1 cm thick. The bell pepper should be diced into small cubes, and the red onion should be finely chopped. Crush or finely chop the garlic.

2. Add the ingredients to the slow cooker: In the slow cooker pot, add the leeks, bell pepper, and red onion. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your dish.

3. Add the olives and tomatoes: After adding the vegetables, put in the olives and tomatoes in puree. The olives will bring a salty and umami flavor, while the tomatoes will add a pleasant acidity.

4. Season: It's time to add the garlic, olive oil, water or vegetable broth, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, paprika, and bay leaf. These spices will transform your dish into an explosion of flavors.

5. Set the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to 'low' for 4-6 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can opt for 'high', but you'll need to reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours.

6. Check and serve: After the time is up, check if the vegetables are tender. If so, remove the bay leaf and serve the dish warm. You can pair it with fresh bread or plain rice.

Practical tips:

- Choosing leeks: When selecting leeks, look for firm stalks with a white-green color. Avoid those that are soft or have spots.

- Variations of olives: If you prefer black or Kalamata olives, you can use them instead of green ones. The taste will be different but equally delicious.

- Optional additions: You can also add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to diversify the texture and flavor of the dish.

Nutritional information:

This leek dish with olives is not only tasty but also healthy. Leeks are rich in vitamins K and C, and olives provide healthy fats for the heart. Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of olives. It is an ideal dish for those looking to reduce calories while enjoying wonderful flavors.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add chicken or turkey, cut into cubes and cooked together with the vegetables.

2. How can I store leftover food?
You can store the food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! All ingredients are plant-based, and the dish is ideal for a vegan diet.

Serving suggestions:

Serve the leek dish with olives alongside a fresh seasonal salad for a complete and balanced lunch. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine can perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Dare to experiment with this recipe and turn it into your favorite version! Perhaps with each cooking, you will discover new combinations of flavors and techniques that will help you become a true master in the kitchen. Bon appétit!