Leek and Ham Rolls

[labradors]

Someone mentioned a Spanish-language article about leeks, this morning. This recipe sounded really good, so I translated it and converted the measurements. The picture is the one from the original article.



Leek and Ham Rolls
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 8 Leeks, root ends and dark green parts removed - NOT sliced
  
• 8 Slices Deli ham
  
• 4 Oz. Emmentaler cheese, grated
  
• 3 C Whole milk, warm
  
• 2 Tbsp. Flour
  
• 4 Tbsp. Butter + a little more to grease the baking dish
  
• Salt, to taste
  
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 475F.
   
2. Cook the leeks in plenty of salted water for 15 minutes.
   
3. Drain well and dry with paper towels.
   
4. Set aside.
   
5. In a saucepan, melt the butter.
   
6. Add the flour.
   
7. Fry lightly.
   
8. Slowly incorporate the warm milk, stirring constantly.
   
9. Add salt and pepper to taste.
   
10. Set aside.
    
11. Roll each leek in a slice of ham.
    
12. Grease a baking dish with butter or margarine.
    
13. Spread a layer of béchamel into the bottom of the baking dish.
    
14. Place the leeks on top of the béchamel.
    
15. Pour the rest of the béchamel over the leeks.
    
16. Sprinkle with the grated cheese.
    
17. Bake for 10 minutes – until the cheese is browned.
    
18. Serve.

[cjs]

Oh, I like this!! copied and on the 'short list' as Daphne would say.

I shouldn't do this, but a layer of asparagus under the rolls (perpendicular) is calling out to me, or roasted brussels sprouts sprinkled over the top at service. Man, so much to play with here. Thanks Labs.

[Lorraine]

I haven't thought of this ages. Back in the 80's, we did lots of these, and ones with asparagus. Thanks for the reminder.

[pjcooks]

Labs, I do something very similar, only I use Parma Prosciutto. Really tasty!

Haven't done it in a while, thanks for the reminder!

PJ

[labradors]

I LOVE leeks and they go so well in creamy dishes that I HAVE to try these. The prosciutto sounds great, too. No asparagus or Brussels sprouts for me.

[HomeCulinarian]

That looks really nice, but maybe it's the leeks available here, but they need to be sliced and rinsed or they are gritty. I remember doing rollups with asparagus... it's been a while.

[cjs]

I think the method for growing leeks may be changing; I've notice mine sometimes don't even need a rinsing, which is sure nice.

I wonder (for dirty ones) if tieing with kitchen string after halving lengthwise to rinse and then cooking. Remove the string when ready to wrap?? I would try this if I have to.

[Mare749]

I've never tried this, but love the sound of it. Copied and saved. Thanks, Labs.

[Gourmet_Mom]

William is going to go crazy over this one! Definitely on the short list! Thanks, Labs!