Leeks Vinaigrette (Poireaux vinaigrette)
Tender poached leeks dressed with a sharp mustard and shallot vinaigrette, finished with grated hard-boiled egg and chives. A Paris bistro starter.
Servings
Ingredients
Nutrition
Per serving
Steps
Boil the eggs
Lower the eggs gently into a pot of boiling water and cook for 9 minutes for a firm yolk. Transfer them straight into cold or ice water to stop the cooking, then peel.
- 2 eggs
- 1 L water
- as needed ice water
✅ Done when: yolks are fully set but not dry or green at the edges
Prepare the leeks
Cut off the roots and the dark green tops, keeping enough of the base so the layers stay attached. Halve medium leeks lengthways, then rinse well under running water, fanning the layers apart to wash out any soil.
- 8 leeks
✅ Done when: leeks are trimmed and no grit remains between the layers
Poach the leeks
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Drain well
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Make the vinaigrette
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Dress and serve
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Boil the eggs
Lower the eggs gently into a pot of boiling water and cook for 9 minutes for a firm yolk. Transfer them straight into cold or ice water to stop the cooking, then peel.
- 2 eggs
- 1 L water
- as needed ice water
✅ Done when: yolks are fully set but not dry or green at the edges
Prepare the leeks
Cut off the roots and the dark green tops, keeping enough of the base so the layers stay attached. Halve medium leeks lengthways, then rinse well under running water, fanning the layers apart to wash out any soil.
- 8 leeks
✅ Done when: leeks are trimmed and no grit remains between the layers
Poach the leeks
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Drain well
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Make the vinaigrette
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Dress and serve
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The Story Behind the Dish
Leeks have been called 'the asparagus of the poor' in France for centuries: they grow through the cold months, when little else does. Serving them warm with a sharp vinaigrette became a fixture of Paris bistros and family tables.
The grated egg on top is called 'mimosa', because the fluffy yellow crumbs look like the spring flowers of the mimosa tree.
⭐ Why It's Famous
It shows the French talent for turning a humble vegetable into an elegant starter with just a good dressing.
💡 Fun Fact
The leek is a national symbol of Wales, but France is one of the biggest leek growers in Europe.
Paris and northern France
48.86°N, 2.35°E
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