Charcoal-grilled leeks with romesco sauce

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3bunchesYoung Leeks; trimmed of all but 2-3\" of the green part
½tablespoonOlive Oil
1sliceWhite Bread
¼cupWhole Almonds; toasted
teaspoonRed Pepper Flakes
1smallClove Garlic; chopped
1mediumRed Bell Pepper; cored, seeded and cut up
½cupOlive Oil
¼poundsRipe Tomatoes
teaspoonPaprika
teaspoonSalt
¼teaspoonGround Black Pepper
cupRed Wine Vinegar
¼cupExtra-Virgin Olive Oil

Directions

LEEKS

SAUCE

Heat ½ tb oil in a small skillet and, over medium heat, fry the bread slice until golden on both sides. Grind the toasted almonds finely in a food processor, together with the bread, pepper flakes and garlic. Add the red pepper, tomatoes, paprika, salt and pepper, puree to form a smooth paste. Whirl in the vinegar. With the motor running, add the oil slowly in a thin stream. Taste for seasoning.

Reserve.

Cut the leeks in half lengthwise down to within 1" of bottom, or root end. Rub them quite generously with olive oil and cook them over a covered charcoal grill until they are very tender or golden.

Depending on their size and cooking method, they may take from 30-60 minutes. Turn occasionally while cooking. Serve the leeks warm with Romesco sauce on the side.

Source: San Francisco Image Magazine Typed by Katherine Smith Kook-Net: The Shadow Zone IV - Stinson Beach, CA