Turkish Leeks in Olive Oil

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with Turkish Leeks in Olive Oil, a classic dish that celebrates simplicity and wholesome ingredients. Tender leeks and sweet carrots are gently simmered in rich olive oil with a hint of lemon juice and a touch of sugar, creating a perfectly balanced, melt-in-your-mouth appetizer or side dish. The addition of rice provides a subtly creamy texture, while the dish's refreshing, tangy notes make it an ideal offering for mezze platters or a light vegetarian meal. This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal preparation, and its naturally vegan and gluten-free profile ensures broad appeal. Serve chilled or at room temperature for an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g leeks
• 2 medium carrots
• 60 ml olive oil
• 30 g rice
• 250 ml water
• 20 ml lemon juice
• 5 g sugar
• 5 g salt

Directions

Step 1

Clean the leeks thoroughly by cutting off the roots and dark green tops, then slice the white and light green parts into 2-3 cm pieces.

Step 2

Peel the carrots and slice them into thin rounds.

Step 3

Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and set aside.

Step 4

In a wide, shallow pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the sliced carrots to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6

Add the leeks to the pot and gently stir to coat them with the olive oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Sprinkle in the rinsed rice, then add the water, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Stir everything gently to combine.

Step 8

Cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the leeks are tender and the rice is fully cooked. Check occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid; if it looks too dry, add a splash of water.

Step 9

Remove the pot from the heat and let the dish cool to room temperature in the pot.

Step 10

Transfer the leeks to a serving dish, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1002.4 grams (1002.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	932

Total Fat 59.00g	76%
Saturated Fat 9.10g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2241mg	97%
Total Carbohydrate 98.20g	36%
Dietary Fiber 12.90g	46%
Total Sugars 31.40g
Protein 9.40g	19%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 373mg	29%
Iron 13mg	72%
Potassium 1465mg	31%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.2%

Protein: 3.9%

Carbs: 40.9%