Turkish Braised Leeks with Olives

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup olive oil or 1⁄2 cup  vegetable oil
• 2  lbs leeks, white and light green parts only,trimmed,cleaned,and thinly sliced (about 10 medium)
• 2  cups  peeled seeded and chopped tomatoes (about 1 pound)
• 1  cup  vegetable stock or 1  cup water
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt, about
•  ground black pepper
• 1  pinch sugar
• 12 -16  pitted black olives
• 2 -3  tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the leeks and sauté in until softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes, stock, salt, pepper, and sugar.
4. Cover and simmer until the leeks are tender, about 30 minutes.
5. Add the olives and lemon juice and simmer another 10 minutes.
6. Serve at room temperature as an appetizer or warm as a side dish.