Cooks usually reserve dark, tough leek greens for stock. Here, Grace Parisi sautés them until they're soft and supple, then folds them into a luscious macaroni and cheese made with nutty Manchego. Slideshow: More Mac and Cheese Recipes
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet. Add the leeks and cook over high heat, stirring just until slightly wilted, 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until very tender, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and cook over moderately high heat, whisking, for 2 minutes. Add the half-and-half and bring to a boil, whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add 2 cups of the cheese, season with salt and pepper and whisk the cheese sauce until melted.
In a large saucepan of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until nearly al dente. Drain well. Add the macaroni and the cheese sauce to the leek greens and stir until combined.
Transfer the macaroni to an 8-by-11-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake for about 40 minutes, until bubbling. Turn the broiler on and broil the mac and cheese until golden brown on top, about 3 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
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Aggregate Rating value: 5
Review Count: 1746
Worst Rating: 0
Best Rating: 5
Author Name: Carter Johnson
Review Body: It’s pretty good...if anything, just a hair on the bland side. Next time, I would add even more leeks and maybe experiment with some spices or perhaps onion.
Review Rating: 3
Date Published: 2018-01-20
Author Name: Muki59
Review Body: Been making this for years! Even my persnickety guests love it!! Kids and adults alike.
Review Rating: 5
Date Published: 2016-12-08
Author Name: MichelleSimone
Review Body: Go-to recipe for everything--guests, potlucks, gifts for friends in need of a good dinner. Always a hit. I accompany it with a mixed green side salad using white wine vinegar, olive oil, a little mustard, and some jam. The only mistake on the website is that the active time doesn't include prep time--grating the manchego & thoroughly cleaning and slicing the leeks takes time! Thank you, Grace Parisi--another classic from you!!
Review Rating: 5
Date Published: 2017-07-10
