Shrimp and leek beans in a creamy sauce are a sophisticated, fragrant and delicious dish, perfect for a family meal, a dinner with friends or even a special occasion. It combines the sweetness of the leek, the sophistication of the shrimp and the richness of the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious balance between the land and the sea. This typical French recipe highlights the melting texture of the vegetables and the tenderness of the seafood. It can be served as a hot appetizer or main course with rice, pasta or fresh bread. Here is a complete and detailed recipe for preparing delicious and elegant casseroles.
Ingredients for 4 people
500 grams of peeled shrimp (fresh or frozen)
3 large, fresh leeks
Order Comfort Food Recipes!
Receive the latest releases and more from Comfort Food Recipes directly to your email
Website
Your email address…
Subscribe!
We use your personal information for interest-based advertising in accordance with our Privacy Notice. 30 grams butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots
2 cloves garlic
200 milliliters whipping cream or whipping cream
100 milliliters dry white wine
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon mild mustard (optional for flavoring the sauce)
100 grams grated cheese (Emmental, Comté or Gruyère)
1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce
Fine salt
Ground white pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Preparing the leeks
Start by cleaning the leeks thoroughly, removing all the tough green leaves and the root end. Cut them in half lengthwise and wash them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Slice them into thin slices. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over low heat. Add the chopped leeks and shallots. Sauté over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft and lightly browned. Add a pinch of salt to help with cooking and release moisture. The leeks should soften without browning too much.
Preparing the Shrimp
If the shrimp are raw, quickly sauté them in a pan in olive oil for two to three minutes, until they are light pink. If they are already cooked, reheat them over low heat without overcooking them to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Set aside in a bowl. Keep the cooking liquid in the pan, as it adds a delicious flavor to the sauce.
Preparing the Creamy Sauce
Subscribe to Comfort Food Recipes!
Get the latest releases and more comfort food recipes straight to your inbox.
Website
Your email address…
Subscribe!
We use your personal data for interest-based advertising in accordance with our privacy notice.
Add the chopped garlic to a pan of shrimp broth and cook over low heat for one minute. Pour in the white wine and reduce the broth by half to concentrate the flavors. Add the flour or cornstarch and stir to form a light sauce. Then stir in the crème fraîche, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and even. Add the sweet mustard, lemon juice if desired, a pinch of nutmeg, salt and white pepper. Simmer over low heat for five minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning to taste.
See also Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A Sunny Journey to the Heart of Italy 🇮🇹
Assembling the Casseroles
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the softened leeks and shrimp. Pour the hot creamy sauce over the mixture and mix well to coat all the ingredients. Divide the mixture into individual casserole dishes or a large gratin dish. Sprinkle with grated cheese to create a nice golden crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling gently around the edges.
Finishing and Presentation
Remove the casserole dishes from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm with toasted bread, basmati rice, or fresh tagliatelle. This dish pairs perfectly with a dry, fruity white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon, which will enhance the sophistication of the leek and shrimp combination.
Order Comfort Food Recipes!
Get the latest releases and more information about Comfort Food Recipes directly to your inbox.
Website
Your email address…
Subscribe!
We use your personal data for interest-based advertising in accordance with our privacy notice.
Tips for success
To achieve the perfect texture, leeks need to be cooked slowly over low heat so that they soften without falling apart. It is important not to overcook the shrimp, as they will lose their tenderness and delicate flavor. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a small amount of milk or vegetable stock. If it is too thick,
