Leeks with Prosciutto

Prosciutto-wrapped leeks are a simple and tasty dish, a recipe that combines the sweetness of leeks with the intense flavor of prosciutto. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

• 6 medium-sized leeks
• 6 slices of prosciutto crudo
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optionally, grated cheese (Parmigiano or Parmesan) for gratinating

Preparation

1. Clean the leeks by removing the greenest part and the roots. Cut them in half lengthwise and then wash them thoroughly to remove any soil residues.
2. In a large pot, pour plenty of salted water and bring to a boil. Blanch the leeks in the boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain and cool them immediately in ice water to maintain a bright color.
3. Dry the leeks with paper towels and wrap each piece with a slice of prosciutto crudo.
4. In a baking dish lined with parchment paper, place the wrapped leeks and drizzle with a thread of extra virgin olive oil. Add a grinding of pepper to taste.
5. (Optional) Sprinkle with grated cheese if you want to obtain a golden and gratinated crust.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 15-20 minutes or until the prosciutto is crispy and the leeks are well cooked.
7. Serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish.

Trivia

Leeks are a vegetable from the Alliaceae family, related to onions and garlic, but they are characterized by a sweeter and more delicate flavor. They are very versatile in the kitchen and lend themselves to various preparations, from being used raw in salads to becoming protagonists in more elaborate cooked dishes like this one. They also have beneficial properties thanks to their content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.