Baby Peas with Bacon and Crispy Leeks

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Baby Peas with Bacon and Crispy Leeks
Photo: © Frances Janisch
Total Time:
30 mins
Yield:
12

Ingredients

  • 3 large leeks, white and tender green parts only, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick and separated into rings

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon

  • 4 thyme sprigs

  • 1 cup Rich Turkey Stock or low-sodium chicken broth

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

  • Three 10-ounce boxes frozen baby peas, thawed

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Directions

  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.

Make Ahead

The crispy leeks can be stored overnight in an airtight container. Recrisp in a 350° oven.

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