Recipe - Grilled Lamb With Soft Tacos

12 md Leeks; (about 4 1/2
; pounds), trimmed to
; about 7 inches,
; split lengthwise to
; within 1 One half inches
; of the root end,
; the roots trimmed
; but the root ends
; left intact, the
; tough outer leaves
; discarded, and the
; leeks washed well
Vegetable oil for grilling
For the vinaigrette
4 teaspoon Dijonstyle mustard
3 tablespoon Whitewine vinegar
One half cup Extravirgin olive oil
1/3 cup Minced assorted fresh herbs;
such as chives,
; parsley, mint,
; basil, and tarragon
One fourth cup Finely minced red bell pepper
One fourth cup Kalamata or other
brinecured black; pitted
and minced
; olives, fine.

Tie the leeks in 4 bundles with kitchen string, in a kettle of boiling
salted water boil them for 6 minutes, or until they are just tender, and
drain them in a colander. Refresh the leeks under cold water and discard
the strings. Cut the leeks apart at the root ends and drain them on paper
towels. (The leeks may be prepared up to this point 1 day in advance and
kept covered and chilled). Brush the leeks with the oil and grill them in
batches in a heated oiled ridged grill them in batches in a heated oiled
ridged grill pan over moderate heat or on an oiled rack set 4 to 5 inches
over glowing coals for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are
golden. Transfer the leeks as they are golden. Transfer the leeks as they
are grilled to a platter and keep them warm, covered. (The leeks may be
prepared up to the is point 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.
Reheat the leeks on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F. oven for 10
minutes, or until they are heated through.)

Make the vinaigrette:

In a bowl whisk together the mustard, the vinegar, and salt and black
pepper to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing
until it is emulsified. Whisk in the herbs, the bell pepper, and the
olives.

Divide the leeks among 8 plates and spoon some of the vinaigrette over each
serving.

Serves 8 as a first course.

Gourmet September 1990

Converted by MC_Buster.

Converted by MM_Buster v2.0l.