Turkish Leeks
Delight in the comforting flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine with this vibrant and healthy Turkish Leeks recipe. Featuring tender rounds of leeks and carrots simmered to perfection in a luscious olive oil and tomato paste base, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is subtly sweetened with a touch of sugar and brightened with tangy lemon juice. Enriched with a handful of rice to soak up the savory broth, it’s a one-pot wonder that showcases simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect as a light vegetarian main dish or a versatile side, this dish is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, topped with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Ready in under an hour, this easy Turkish classic is a must-try for fans of healthy and flavorful dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 medium Leeks
- 2 medium Carrots
- 5 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Rice
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Thoroughly clean the leeks by trimming off the dark green tops and root ends. Wash them under running water to remove any dirt. Slice the leeks into 1-inch rounds.
Peel the carrots and slice them into thin rounds.
In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced carrots and leeks to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to release its flavor.
Add the rice, lemon juice, granulated sugar, salt, and water to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the leeks are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Check the pot occasionally and add more water if necessary to prevent the dish from drying out.
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
989 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.9 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2603 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 84.2 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.8 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.0 g | ||
| Protein | 8.4 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 325 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1442 mg | 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.
