Yesterday I saw some lovely looking leeks at the market and bought them without any idea of what I’d end up doing with them. In the end this is what I came up with – something autumny that included bacon, garlic and cheese. It was very tasty and easy to make, and quite nice comfort food…

Recipe and instructions below the links.

• 1 kilo small new potatoes
• 500 grams leeks
• 6 – 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 150 grams bacon bits
• 500 grams grated white cheese
• 2 cups (250 ml) broth
• olive oil
• black pepper

Boil the potatoes until almost cooked, strain and reserve 2 cups of the liquid. Sautée the bacon and garlic with lots of freshly ground black pepper in a bit of olive oil until well browned and set aside. Then chop the leeks and braise in olive oil. Add one chicken boullion cube to the two cups of reserved potato water, mix well and add to the braised leeks. Stir the leek mixture into the bacon & garlic and cook down on a medium-high heat until at least half the liquid is gone.

Put the potatoes in a lightly greased baking dish, then pour the leek & bacon mixture over top. Place uncovered in a pre-heated 200ºC oven for 20 minutes, then sprinkle the grated cheese on top and place under the grill for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is nicely browned. Let cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

[click to enlarge image]