Name: Delia Smith Leeks in Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: Leeks (4 large, sliced) – Fresh leeks provide a mild onion flavor and soft texture when cooked.; Butter (30 g) – Forms the base of the sauce.; Plain flour (2 tablespoons) – Helps thicken the cheese sauce.; Milk (400 ml) – Creates the creamy base of the sauce.; Cheddar cheese (100 g, grated) – Provides rich flavor and creamy texture.; Salt and black pepper – Adjust to taste.; Mustard powder (½ teaspoon, optional) – Enhances the cheese flavor.

Delia Smith Leeks in Cheese Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

Delia Smith Leeks in Cheese Sauce is a classic British vegetable dish where tender leeks are covered in a creamy cheese sauce and gently cooked until smooth and flavorful.

Author: Ekani Ella
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Leeks

Leeks (4 large, sliced) – Fresh leeks provide a mild onion flavor and soft texture when cooked.

Butter and Flour

Butter (30 g) – Forms the base of the sauce.
Plain flour (2 tablespoons) – Helps thicken the cheese sauce.

Milk

Milk (400 ml) – Creates the creamy base of the sauce.

Cheese

Cheddar cheese (100 g, grated) – Provides rich flavor and creamy texture.

Seasonings

Salt and black pepper – Adjust to taste.
Mustard powder (½ teaspoon, optional) – Enhances the cheese flavor.

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Leeks

Trim the ends of the leeks and slice them into rounds. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any hidden dirt.

Step 2 – Cook the Leeks

Place the sliced leeks in a saucepan with lightly salted water. Simmer for about 5–7 minutes until the leeks become soft but not mushy.

Drain well and set aside.

Step 3 – Make the Roux

In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to create a smooth paste.

Step 4 – Add the Milk

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps from forming and creates a smooth sauce.

Step 5 – Thicken the Sauce

Continue cooking the sauce while stirring until it thickens into a creamy consistency.

Step 6 – Add Cheese and Seasoning

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Add salt, pepper, and mustard powder if using.

Stir until the cheese melts completely.

Step 7 – Combine the Leeks and Sauce

Place the cooked leeks in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over them.

Step 8 – Optional Baking Step

For a lightly golden finish, place the dish under a hot grill for 5 minutes until the top becomes slightly browned.

Step 9 – Serve

Serve the leeks in cheese sauce warm as a side dish.

Find it online: https://britishrecipes.uk/delia-smith-leeks-in-cheese-sauce/