Leek Vinaigrette with Eggs & Herbs

makes 4 servings

This has to be one of my favorite ways to eat leeks. When we are in deep winter and the asparagus season seems so far away, this dish just cheers me up. Be very careful to choose slender leeks, no more than 3/4 inch thick. – Rose Carraini

12 leeks, trimmed, leaving on about 1¼ inches of green
1¾ cups olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp. white or red wine vinegar
2 hard-boiled eggs, shelled and coarsely chopped
Handful chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and chives
Salt and ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350°. Put the leeks in an ovenproof dish with about ½ inch of water, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, until a knife goes in easily. The leeks should be just cooked through, but not soft. Remove from the oven, drain off the water, and let cool.

Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: Whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the olive oil and whisk a little more. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, and add more oil if the vinegar is too sharp or more vinegar if the oil is overwhelming.

Transfer the leeks to four individual plates and sprinkle with the chopped eggs and herbs. Put the vinaigrette in a sauceboat or drizzle it over the leeks, then serve immediately.

Reprinted with permission from How to Boil an Egg by Rose Carrarini.