How to Make Leek Stew? Turkish Leeks with Olive Oil Recipe

Summary

Turkish-style leek stew with olive oil is a light, vegetable-based dish made with carrots, rice and lemon. When cooked gently over a low heat, the leeks retain their shape while the flavours of the ingredients blend together.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients for Leek Stew with Olive Oil

• 500 g leeks

• 2 carrots

• 3 tablespoons rice

• 1 onion

• ½ Turkish tea glass of olive oil

• 1 cup hot water

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 teaspoon caster sugar

• Salt

How to Make Leek Stew

1. Clean the leeks and slice them into rounds. Thinly slice the carrots.

2. Heat the olive oil in a casserole. Add the finely chopped onion and carrots, then sauté for a few minutes.

3. Add the leeks and stir gently.

4. Add the rinsed rice, lemon juice, salt and sugar.

5. Pour in the hot water and cover the casserole with a lid.

6. Cook over a low heat for approximately 30–35 minutes, until the leeks and rice are tender.

7. Remove from the heat and leave to rest. Serve warm or cold.

Tips for Making Leek Stew

• After slicing the leeks, wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any soil trapped between the layers.

• Avoid stirring too frequently during cooking to prevent the leeks from breaking apart.

• Allowing the leek stew to rest before serving helps the flavours develop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leek Stew

How long does leek stew take to cook?

It takes approximately 30–35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the leeks.

Can you add rice to leek stew?

Yes. Rice is one of the traditional ingredients used in Turkish-style leek dishes with olive oil.

Should leek stew be served hot or cold?

Leek stew with olive oil is traditionally served warm or cold.

If you enjoy recipes made with seasonal vegetables such as leeks, take a look at our spinach stew recipe too. For more vegetable dishes, explore LAVA recipes.