Baby Peas with Bacon and Crispy Leeks

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Ingredients

1. 3 large leeks, white and tender green parts only, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick and separated into rings
2. Vegetable oil, for frying
3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
4. 6 slices thick-cut bacon
5. 4 thyme sprigs
6. 1 cup Rich Turkey Stock or low-sodium chicken broth
7. 3/4 cup heavy cream
8. Three 10-ounce boxes frozen baby peas, thawed
9. 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

1. Wash the leeks well and pat dry. In a large saucepan, heat 1/2 inch of oil until shimmering. Add all but 1/2 cup of the leeks and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the leeks to a paper towel–lined plate. Discard the oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large, deep skillet, cook the bacon over moderately high heat, turning once, until golden, about 5 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble.
3. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of leeks and the thyme to the fat in the skillet and cook over moderately low heat until the leeks are softened, about 8 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the Rich Turkey Stock and cook over moderate heat until it is reduced by half, about 7 minutes. Add the heavy cream and cook over moderately high heat until it is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in the peas, crumbled bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup of stock and bring to a boil. Discard the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the peas to a bowl and top with the crispy leeks just before serving.