Spring Leek and Mushroom Gratin
Spring Leek and Mushroom Gratin is the ultimate spring comfort food dish. Serve alongside your protein of choice for a lovely brunch or dinner.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Servings: 6
Author: Jamie Vespa MS, RD
- 3 leeks white and pale green parts only (see above for trimming instructions)
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 oz. shiitake mushrooms stemmed and sliced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt divided
- 2. Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 2 ½ cups Horizon Organic Grass Fed Vitamin D Milk
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup panko-style breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and fill a bowl with ice water. Add leeks to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Shock the leeks by transferring to the ice-water bath. Drain and slice leeks in half lengthwise.
Heat oil in an oven-safe cast-iron skillet or cocotte over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly tender. Season with 1/4 tsp. salt and transfer mushrooms to a bowl.
Add butter and garlic to pan; cook 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 30 seconds. Gradually stream in milk, whisking constantly, until combined. Increase heat to bring mixture to a simmer; cook 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add mushrooms back to skillet, along with thyme, remaining 3/4 tsp. salt, black pepper, and 1 tsp. lemon juice. Lay sliced leeks across the top of gratin, gently pressing to slightly submerge in milk mixture. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese overtop. Transfer to oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Squeeze remaining 1 tsp. lemon juice overtop and garnish with additional fresh thyme before serving.