Cooking with Leeks: Chicken In Riesling & Lombo di Maile Coi Porri

Just thinking of this recipe gets the salivary glands going... So simple, yet such developed flavors. It reminded me of one of my standard dishes, Lombo di Maile Coi Porri or Pan-Roasted Pork Roasted with Leeks. I'll just have to post that recipe tomorrow. (Photo and recipe from Gourmet) At Central Market,  I found an Alsatian wine that changed my mind about Rieslings... Such a great spring dish!

Event: Yummy Can Happen Any Old Night
Menu: Chicken in Reisling (Gourmet, March 2008)


Chicken in Riesling
1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 lbs), backbone discarded and chicken cut French style into 8 pieces (French style: yields 2 breast halves with wings attached, halved crosswise for a total of 4 breast pieces, 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs. You could also use pre-cut chicken pieces.)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 medium (or three large) leeks, pale green and white parts only, finely chopped (2 cups)
2 tbsp shallot, finely chopped
4 medium carrots, peeled and halved on a diagonal
1 c dry white wine (preferably an Alsatian Riesling)
1 1/2 lbs small red potatoes
2 tbsp finely chopped flat leaf parsley
1/2 c creme fraiche or heavy cream (heavy cream is less expensive)
fresh lemon juice, to taste


PH oven to 350 with rack in middle.
Pat chicken parts dry and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and pepper. Heat oil w/ 1 tbsp butter in a large, deep oven-proof skillet (with cover) over med-hi heat until foam subsides. Brown chicken in batches, turning once, about 10 mins total per batch. Transfer to a plate.
Wash leeks by submerging in a bowl of cold water. Skim leeks from top- sediment will sink to the bottom. Pat dry.
Pour off fat from pot, then cook leeks shallot, with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper in remaining 2 tbsp of butter, stirring occasionally, until leeks are golden and tender, 5-7 min. Add chicken, skin sides up, with any juices, carrots, and wine and boil down until liquid is reduced by half, 3-4 minutes. Cover pot and braise chicken in oven until cooked through, 20-25 mins.
While chicken braises, peel potatoes then cover with cold water in a saucepan. Add 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 15 mins. Drain in a colander, then return to pan. Add parsley and shake to coat.
Stir cream/creme into chicken mixture and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then add potatoes. Serve immediately with steamed green beans or fresh steamed peas.