Leek Stuffed With Cheese And Ham

Leek stuffed with ham and cheese is a delicacy you won’t regret. This recipe, which is easy to make, can be an excellent option as an appetizer or side dish to a gourmet dish. It is also the ideal way to vary your typical dishes.

Leek, a vegetable belonging to the onion, spring onion and garlic family, is a versatile ingredient in cooking. Thanks to their slightly sweet taste , they can be steamed or added to stocks or soups.

On this occasion we will tell you how to prepare this delicious leek filled with ham and cheese, so that you can enjoy the taste to the fullest. Keep reading and discover the recipe along with step-by-step instructions.

The materials and ingredients you need to make stuffed leeks

Please note that the quantities we will share below are enough for 5 people. So you have to adapt it to the number of people with whom you are going to eat this recipe.

materials

• 1 deep pan
• 1 flat ovenproof dish

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 8 large leeks
• 50 grams of butter
• 100 grams sliced ​​ham
• salt and spices to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 250 grams of cream cheese or mozzarella cheese

Step-by-step instructions

• To prepare this recipe, first cook the leeks in boiling salted water for 20 minutes or until tender. This time is approximate. Keep in mind that they must remain whole.

• While you’re waiting for them to soften, break an egg into a bowl and beat it with a fork for a few minutes.
• Then cut the mozzarella into cubes and put them in the same bowl.
• Add the mustard, salt and spices.
• Then cut the ham into strips and put them in the bowl as well.
• At this point, turn the oven on to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Drain the leeks while the oven is heating, rinse under cold water, place on a napkin or kitchen paper and allow to cool for 10 minutes. This step is important so you can fill them without burning yourself.
• You then need to remove the center of the leek by pressing it. It is best to hollow them out.
• Fill all the leeks with a spoon and place them side by side in a buttered baking dish. If you prefer, you can cut the leeks into smaller pieces before filling to make this task easier.

• When you’re done, spread the rest of the butter using a spoon. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.

How do you accompany this recipe for leeks stuffed with ham and cheese?

Of course you can also use this leek filled with ham and cheese as a main course. To do this, you need to prepare something to accompany their taste. An example could be fried or grilled meat.

To make it, simply season a piece of red meat with thyme, salt and juniper berries and bake it in the oven. Don’t use the same bowl as the stuffed vegetables, or the juices released from the meat could cause your stuffed leeks to fall apart.

On the other hand , this recipe can also be combined well with sweet potatoes or baked potatoes. In this case, you need to cut these tubers into thin slices with their skins and bake them in the oven for 10 minutes with a little olive oil and turmeric or paprika.

Another alternative is to use white rice with vegetables, such as corn, peas, and bell peppers. Whichever option you choose, all these options can be combined well with leeks filled with ham and cheese.

Which aspects do you have to take into account?

One aspect to keep in mind is that this recipe can be high in calories, sodium and saturated fats. For this reason, it is not a good option for people who suffer from metabolic problems, high blood pressure or high triglycerides to consume it often.

In this regard, several studies indicate (Spanish link) that limiting these nutrients is necessary to prevent further complications. However, it is possible to adapt this recipe and arrive at a healthy version. To do this, you can avoid the butter and use extra virgin olive oil or choose a low-fat cheese, such as low-fat ricotta.

Why is it healthy to eat leeks?

Besides the fact that this vegetable can be used in various preparations, it is excellent for absorbing nutrients into the body. According to the “Libro de la alimentación Española” (Spanish food book), leeks are a source of dietary fiber and various vitamins.

• Vitamin B9 or folic acid, which contributes to the formation of blood cells. According to the book, 150 grams of leeks provide 48% of the recommended intake.
• At the same time, they contain vitamin C, which is partly lost when heated.
• They are also rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium and iron.

Prepare this delicious leek filled with cheese and ham

While leeks are not as common a vegetable in the kitchen as onions or garlic, they are a versatile ingredient that will add a unique flavor to your dishes. And this recipe is the perfect way to take advantage of it.

Keep in mind that if you’re short on time, you can cook the leeks ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for when you want to stuff them. So now there’s no excuse not to try it!