Leek and Apple Slaw

Meet our delightful Leek and Apple Slaw! A lively twist on the traditional slaw, this dish melds the subtly sweet, mild flavour of leeks with the bright, tangy notes of fresh apples. Dressed lightly with a hint of lemon and honey, this slaw is a refreshing and crisp side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a range of mains, from roasted meats to grilled fish. Whether you're planning a casual lunch or an elaborate dinner, this slaw adds a vibrant, healthy touch to your table.

How to Prepare Leek and Apple Slaw

Ingredients

• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 small lemon, juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil, sunflower or canola
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the leek: Start by cutting off the root end and the tough dark green leaves from the leek. Cut the leek in half the lengthwise, then slice it crosswise into thin half-moon slices. Place the slices in a bowl filled with cold water and set aside for 10 minutes. with your hands, lift the leek slices from the water and place them in a colander and rinse under cold running water to make sure any dirt or sand is removed. Let the leeks drain in the colander before placing into a serving bowl.
2. Prepare the apples: wash apples under the cold water, then dry them with a clean towel. Slice in half, cut each half into quarters then slice each quarter into thin slices. Add to leek.
3. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, place lemon juice, honey, oil, salt and black pepper. Mix well until all of the ingredients are combined. Pour over leek and apples and gently mix.
4. Dobar tek!

How to Serve and Pair

Serving Suggestions: Serve this slaw as a side with grilled chicken, fish, or pork. It also works well as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.

Pairing: For the Leek and Apple Slaw, which has a crisp and slightly sweet profile with a touch of acidity, you would want a beverage that complements these flavors without overpowering them. A good pairing would be:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: This wine, known for its crisp and refreshing qualities, can complement the lightness of the slaw while matching its acidity.
2. Pinot Grigio: Another light and crisp white wine, Pinot Grigio can work well with the slaw, especially if you're serving it alongside seafood or chicken.
3. Sparkling Water with a Lemon or Lime Twist: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a hint of citrus can mirror the freshness and lightness of the slaw.
4. Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic or Hard): This could be a fun pairing, echoing the apple flavor in the slaw. Choose a less sweet, more tart variety to balance the sweetness of the honey in the dish.
5. Light Lager or Pilsner: If you prefer beer, a light lager or pilsner would not overwhelm the delicate flavors of the slaw.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian and Vegan-friendly (use vegan honey alternatives).
• Gluten-free.
• Can be made with less honey or a honey substitute for a lower sugar option.

Make-Ahead Tips:

The slaw can be prepped a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Just add the dressing before serving to keep the apples and leeks crisp.

Cleaning Tips:

Clean the leeks thoroughly to remove dirt. Soaking and lifting them out of the water helps prevent sand from clinging to them.