Rosh Hashanah Recipes

Braised Leeks with Thyme and Pomegranate

These flavors deepen as they are cooked, making them sweeter.

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I never try new dishes when I am serving guests. But last year I found myself at the market just days before Rosh Hashanah and spotted the most beautiful leeks. While leeks are not an ingredient that I cook with often, they were calling out to me and I knew I needed to use them for our holiday meal, even despite my fear that the dish might be a huge flop. The recipe was a big hit with all 15 of my guests and so I wanted to share this simple, symbolic and delicious side dish.

Leeks can be gritty and have sand buried in them, so be sure to wash them very well before cooking. Leeks are delicate in flavor and those flavors deepen as they are cooked, making them sweeter.

Note: These leeks can be made ahead and served at room temperature.

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Braised Leeks with Thyme and Pomegranate

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This easy Rosh Hashanah side dish is caramelized and comforting.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Units
  • 6 medium leeks, white and light green parts only
  • 15 small sprigs of fresh thyme
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp dry white wine
  • 2 Tbsp pomegranate juice
  • kosher salt
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F .
  2. Cut leeks lengthwise down the middle and wash them carefully to remove any grit.
  3. Arrange the leek halves cut-side down in a snug single layer in a shallow 8-inch square baking dish. Nestle the thyme sprigs among the leeks.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, wine and pomegranate juice and drizzle over the leeks. Sprinkle evenly with ½ tsp salt.
  5. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  6. Braise the leeks in the oven until completely tender and easy to pierce with a fork, about 45 minutes. Uncover the dish and continue to braise until the leeks are caramelized, about 15 minutes more.
  7. Serve the leeks warm or at room temperature. When ready to serve, spread the fresh pomegranate seeds over the leeks.

Notes

These leeks can be made ahead and served at room temperature.

  • Author: Leora Kimmel Greene
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Sephardic

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