Poireaux vinaigrette – leeks in vinaigrette with egg Recipe
Boiled leeks topped with a mustard vinaigrette and served with hard-boiled egg are a classic French bistro starter. The dish is simple yet very elegant and often appears on lunch menus in Paris. The flavor is reminiscent of a “lightened” vegetable salad – lots of vegetables, egg, and a punchy dressing instead of mayonnaise.
This dish showcases how a few simple ingredients can become an elegant French bistro classic. The sweetness of gently cooked leeks pairs beautifully with the sharp mustard vinaigrette and creamy egg, creating a light yet satisfying combination.
Chef's tips
Don’t overcook the leeks – they should be soft but not falling apart. Let them drain well so the dressing doesn’t get watered down. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the acidity with a bit more vinegar or oil to suit your preference.
How to serve
Serve the leeks on a long platter so the layers and eggs are clearly visible. Add some crusty bread to soak up the extra vinaigrette. For a fuller meal, pair with a simple green salad or a slice of quiche.
Ingredients
- leek only the white and light green part - 4 piece
- egg hard-boiled - 3 piece
- vinegar white or red wine - 2 tablespoon
- mustard Dijon - 1 teaspoon
- olive oil from olives - 4 tablespoon
- shallot finely chopped; can be replaced with onion - 1 piece
- parsley flat-leaf, chopped - 2 tablespoon
- salt for cooking the leeks and seasoning the dressing
- pepper to taste
Preparation
- Clean the leeks, removing the outer tough leaves. Cut off the dark green part (you can save it for soup), leaving the white and light green parts. Slice the leeks in half lengthwise and rinse thoroughly under running water between the layers to remove any sand. Then tie each half with kitchen twine or arrange them gently so they don’t fall apart.
- Bring a large pot of water with 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the leeks and cook for 10–12 minutes, until they are tender but still hold their shape. Check with a knife – it should slide easily into the center.
- Carefully remove the cooked leeks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate to drain and cool slightly. Remove the twine if you used it.
- Hard-boil the eggs (about 9–10 minutes from the moment the water starts boiling), then cool them in cold water, peel, and cut into quarters or small cubes.
- Finely chop the shallot. In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, mustard, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Add the shallot, then slowly pour in the olive oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Arrange the leeks on a platter or plates (you can cut them into shorter pieces). Generously spoon the vinaigrette over the top.
- Place the pieces of hard-boiled egg on top and sprinkle everything with chopped parsley. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Storage
No storage information available for this dish.
This is one of those recipes that proves how comforting and refined French home cooking can be. It’s perfect when you want something light but still special, and it works just as well for a weekday lunch as for a dinner with guests.
