Looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your family or guests? Look no further than these Meat & Rice Stuffed Leeks! These savory stuffed leeks are bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering filling that will leave you wanting more.
- Quick prep time: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
- Perfect for meal prep: These stuffed leeks are a great make-ahead dish that you can enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Leeks (white part only): Leeks provide a mild onion flavor and a tender texture. If you can’t find leeks, you can use large green onions as a substitute.
- Filling ingredients: Ground beef, short grain rice, yellow onion, garlic, parsley, summer savory or dried thyme, dill, mint, salt, and black pepper create a flavorful and satisfying stuffing.
- Extras: Water and vegetable oil are used for cooking the stuffed leeks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the leeks: Trim the root ends and dark green tops of the leeks, then cut them in half lengthwise and wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, parsley, summer savory or thyme, dill, mint, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the leeks: Spoon the filling mixture into the leek halves, then place them in a pot in a single layer.
- Cook the stuffed leeks: Add water to the pot until the leeks are halfway submerged, then drizzle with vegetable oil. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is cooked and the leeks are tender.
Helpful Tips:
- Be sure to wash the leeks thoroughly to remove any dirt trapped between the layers.
- You can add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to the water for a tangy flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- Let the stuffed leeks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added richness.
Serving Suggestions:
These Meat & Rice Stuffed Leeks pair perfectly with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed leeks in a covered baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these stuffed leeks? Yes, you can freeze them after cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use long-grain rice or even quinoa for a different texture.
- Can I make these stuffed leeks ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed leeks and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
Conclusion:
Give these Meat & Rice Stuffed Leeks a try and experience the delicious flavors for yourself. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this tasty dish with your loved ones!
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Meat & Rice Stuffed Leeks
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Various
Description
These Meat & Rice Stuffed Leeks are a savory delight, combining tender leeks with a flavorful ground beef and rice filling, seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 leeks white part only
- 225 grams ground beef
- 0.25 cup short grain rice
- 0.5 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced or mashed
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley finely diced
- 2 teaspoons summer savory or dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare Leeks: Cut leeks in half, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Remove the inner layers to create a cavity for stuffing.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, mix ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, parsley, savory/thyme, dill, mint, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff Leeks: Fill each leek half with the meat mixture, then place in a baking dish.
- Cook: Pour water and oil over the leeks, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy hot as a main course or appetizer.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Feel free to add grated cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 leek half
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
