Cream of Leek and Asparagus Soup

This soup is a great way to celebrate asparagus, and the addition of leeks in the recipe gives a boost of extra iron as well as delicious flavor. This sumptuous soup tastes even better if made a day ahead, and it can serve as a creamy and satisfying main meal alongside a tender salad and some crusty wholegrain bread. 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 large celery stalks, diced

1 ½ pounds asparagus

6 large leeks, white and palest green parts only, chopped and well rinsed

vegetable stock (about 3 cups or as needed)

½ teaspoon each: dried tarragon and dried basil

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

1 to 1 ½ cups low-fat milk or soymilk, as needed

salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste 

Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and celery and saute over moderate heat until the onion is golden. 

Crustless Smoked Salmon, Leek and Red Peppers Quiche

This crustless quiche is easy to make and great for any meal. The smoked salmon lends a touch of elegance, and the leeks can be substituted with onions or shallots. 

Ingredients:

- 3 eggs

- 1 1/2 cup milk or cream

- 6 oz smoked salmon

- 1 large leek, white and light green parts sliced (about 1 cup of slices)

- 1 small red pepper, chopped 

- 3/4 cup shredded cheese - almost any kind or combination is fine, but not too much strong-flavoured cheese such as Parmesan

- 1 tsp dry mustard (I replaced with Dijon)

- 1/2 tsp thyme

- pinch of cayenne pepper or a bit of hot sauce

- paprika, salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Saute leeks in a little olive oil. When they begin to soften, add the peppers. Add a little salt and cook for 3-4 minutes. Just before taking off the heat, add the thyme.

Crustless Broccoli and Cauliflower Quiche

This recipe again makes use of the entire broccoli, nothing is left out. Peel off the skin of the broccoli stems with a vegetable peeler or a very sharp knife, then cut them into slices or chunks.

Ingredients:

- 1 tsp olive oil, plus more for the baking dish

- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

- 4 large eggs

- 1 cup whole milk

- 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

- 1/2 cup water

- 1/4 tsp dried thyme

- 1/4 tsp dried oregano

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1/4 tsp pepper

- 1/4 tsp dried rosemary, chopped

- 1 medium bunch broccoli and cauliflower, cut into florets, broccoli stems peeled and cut 1/3 inch thick

Heat the oven to 375F. Brush a 10-inch pie plate with olive oil.

Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and let it cool.

Add the eggs to the onion and slightly beat. Whisk in milk, 1/2 cup of the cheese, water, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper and rosemary to blend.

Cover the bottom of the pie plate with the broccoli and cauliflower.

Pour the cream mixture into the pie plate. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Bake until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean and quiche is golden brown, 50 to 60 minutes. Enjoy!

French Vegetable Tian

A wonderful vegetarian dish I used to accompany some chicken breast stuffed with pine nuts, leek and bell pepper. Very simple to make and very versatile, can easily be paired with any meat or eaten on its own.

Ingredients:

- 60 ml olive oil

- 500 gr zucchini, thickly sliced on the diagonal

- 4 garlic cloves, crushed

- 650 gr tomatoes

- 2 medium red onions, chopped

- 60 ml white wine

- a pinch of nutmeg

- 25 gr chopped parsley

- 130 gr grated Gruyere cheese

- a few small sprigs of thyme

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a 6x10-inch ovenproof dish with melted butter or oil. Heat half of the oil in a large frying pan, then add the zucchini and half the garlic.

Cook, stirring, over low heat for about 8 minutes or until just beginning to soften. Season well with salt, pepper and nutmeg, Spread evenly into the dish.

Creamy Potato Gratin

This is a classic recipe where the pungent Gruyere acts as a protective layer, preventing the potatoes from drying out. To serve 4, you'll need:

- 1 lb Yukon gold all all-purpose potatoes

- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

- 2 oz Gruyere

- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (I used 1/2 tsp dried thyme)

- 1 tsp salt

- pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350F. Peel the potatoes and slice paper-thin. Put the potatoes in a 3-quart pot with the heavy cream, salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, shred the cheese on the large holes of a box grater.