Roasted Endive with Truffled Caramelized Leeks

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White truffle oil is rich and fragrant; a little goes a long way. Be sure to seek out white truffle oil made with actual white truffles. Many pseudo-versions use perfumes instead of the real deal. The earthiness of the truffles and the sweetness of the leeks offsets the bitter endive in this side dish that goes with pretty much anything.

leeks, endive, truffle oil

Roasted Endive with Truffled Caramelized Leeks

4 endive/chicory, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
5 tablespoons (30mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Fine sea or Himalayan salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 large leeks, thinly sliced (just the whites)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (2 to 3mL) white truffle oil

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Put the endive cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Brush with 2 tablespoons (30mL) of the olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for about 25 minutes, until tender and starting to char on the edges.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until golden and starting to caramelize, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the truffle oil, starting with 1/4 teaspoon, adding more to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Top the endive with the leek mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Brined Herb Tofu

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Tofu, I know, isn’t everyone’s go-to, but this briny, tangy tofu makes a perfect sandwich filling. The tofu is reminiscent of feta with that salty, brininess to it, and it’s made for layering it in crusty bread (say, with roasted red peppers and red onions, grilled portabello slices, black olive tapenade, and baby spinach) for a summery sandwich full of flavor. It’s pictured here with my recipe for Yellow Mustard with Smoked Paprika.

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Brined Herb Tofu

1 pound (454g) extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/4-inch slabs
2 1/2 cups (560mL) water
1/2 cup (120mL) white balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup (80mL) lemon juice
1 tablespoon (15mL) dried basil
1 tablespoon (15mL) dried oregano
2 teaspoons (10mL) fine sea or Himalayan salt
1 teaspoon (5mL) yellow miso paste

Wrap the tofu in paper towels. Top with a heavy pan for 30 minutes, replacing the paper towels once, to remove all excess moisture.

Meanwhile, put the water, vinegar, lemon juice, basil, oregano, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce and let simmer 25 minutes. Stir in the miso paste.

Put the pressed tofu in a container. Pour the brine over the tofu, submerging completely. Let cool. Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours. The tofu will become more flavorful as it sits in the brine. Use within 5 days.

homemade mustard and brined tofu1

 

Yellow Mustard with Smoked Paprika

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Use this recipe—minus the smoked paprika—as a standard mustard recipe, for complete customization of your condiment stash. It stores and freezes well, and you can make a big batch then divvy into containers for different flavors.  This was the first time I’ve made mustard from scratch, and I’m surprised that I’ve never made it before; it’s definitely easier than any condiment, and condiments are easy to make.

homemade mustard and brined tofu1

Yellow Mustard with Smoked Paprika

2/3 cup (160mL) yellow mustard seeds
2/3 cup (160mL) cider vinegar
1/3 cup (80mL) water, plus more as needed
Fine sea or Himalayan salt, to taste
1 teaspoon (5mL) agave nectar
3/4 teaspoon (4mL) smoked paprika

Put the mustard seeds, cider vinegar, and 1/3 cup (80mL) of the water in a container. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours.

After 24 hours, scrape the mixture into a food processor or high speed blender. Process or blend until smooth, adding additional water as needed, until it is your ideal consistency. Add salt to taste, along with the agave nectar and smoked paprika.