Leeks Simmered in Olive Oil

Adapted from The Slow Mediterranean Kitchen: Recipes for the Passionate Cook by Paula Wolfert. Serve these leeks later in the day, or, even better, the following day.Yummy!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  lbs leeks, roots trimmed, thick outer skins removed
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped onion
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2  medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 1  tablespoon rice, medium-grain is best
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1⁄2  lemons, juice of
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped flat leaf parsley

Directions

1. Soak the leeks in warm water for about 30 minutes. Drain and cut into 2" lengths. Thoroughly rinse to remove any sand. Drain well.
2. Combine the onion, olive oil, and carrots in a large heavy casserole and cook on medium heat, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the leeks and sugar, cover with a sheet of crumpled parchment paper or foil and a tight fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes. (Leeks and carrots should cook in their own moisture. If need be, add 1 tablespoon water.).
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, soak the rice in hot water to cover for 10 minutes; drain.
4. Add the rice to the leeks. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, tightly covered, over low heat for 20 minutes longer.
5. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice. Leave the pan uncovered to cool before transferring the leeks to a serving dish. Spoon the vegetables and rice over the leeks, garnish with the chopped parsley, and serve at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!