Tartines with Caramelized Leeks, Pancetta and Feta Cheese
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer/Snack
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 big leek stalks, sliced lengthwise and white and pale green parts sliced ¼-inch thick (about 3 generous cups of slices)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ⅔ cup pancetta, diced
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing bread
  • 12 baguette-sized ½-inch slices of bread of your choice (I used a flax and bran filone to up the health factor)
Instructions
  1. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Add the leek slices and use your hands to pump them up and down in the water a bit, separating the rings and letting the dirt fall to the bottom. Transfer to a dish or plate for a minute; no need to dry them.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a heavy skillet or pot over medium heat. Once hot, add butter. Once the butter is fully melted, add the diced pancetta.
  3. Cook the pancetta for about 3-4 min or just until it starts to brown and crisp. Add the leek slices, still wet. Sprinkle a few grinds of black pepper, give the mixture a good stir, and reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook leeks for 25 minutes, stirring them occasionally. *You do not need to add salt because the pancetta gives the dish enough salty flavor.*
  4. While the leeks cook, brush bread slices with olive oil. Run under broiler until lightly toasted, about two minutes. Divide leeks among tartines. Sprinkle with cheese and more freshly ground black pepper. Eat at once or add the tartines back to the broiler for another two minutes to melt the cheese a bit.
  5. NOTE: If you're going to use the leek mixture as a spread for crackers rather than a baked tartine, mix the feta cheese in with the leeks and pancetta once they are finished cooking. Take off the heat as soon as everything is mixed together so the feta doesn't melt too much.
  6. SERVING SIZE: This recipe makes 12 tartines. I consider two tartines as one serving, so the yield is six servings.
Recipe by Healthy Recipe Ecstasy at https://www.healthyrecipeecstasy.com/tartines-with-caramelized-leeks-pancetta-and-feta-cheese/