Leekie Welsh Rarebit

Leeks are one of my absolute favourite vegetables and an absolutely undervalued Allium in my eyes. Not to mention their rather colourful history... In the troubled 15th century, displaying a leek signified allegiance to Henry Tudor (Henry VII, father of the notorious Henry the 8th), the Welsh contender to the English throne. Others had adopted the leek before him, but for Henry, the adoption was most apt. The green and white Leek matched the colours of his coat of arms. The same colours of the daffodil stem. Both of these plants, which grow so well in Wales became Welsh emblems and are worn even today, but only on special occasions such as  St David's Day (March 1st) and at Welsh rugby matches.

Welsh rarebit (or rabbit) is traditionally a supper dish of bread soaked with a little ale and shallot vinegar, a slice of cold roast beef spread with horseradish and mustard and crowned with a voluptuous veil of melting strong cheese. Delicious I think you'd agree. But today its a strictly veggie affair, and I think it seems rather fitting that the Leek is the shining the star of this thoroughly Welsh-inspired show. This lovely Leekie welsh rarebit is for the Spring a Leek Recipe competition, so wish me luck :).

Ingredients
1 large leek, washed & sliced.
A hefty knob of butter.
A little glug of olive oil.
4 thick slices of good bread.
1 teaspoon of English mustard.
2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar (balsamic will do the job too).
100 grams of strong cheddar, sliced.
A pinch Ground black pepper.

Method
Fry the leeks with the butter and oil in a large frying pan with the lid on, over a medium heat, stirring regularly, until the leeks are tender (about 10 mins). Meanwhile, under a medium grill toast one side of the bread. Turn the slices over and dot with the mustard & vinegar, pile the leeks on each slice and top with the sliced cheese. Return to the grill, and heat until the cheese is bubbling. Sprinkle with black pepper and serve immediately, (but beware of burning the roof of your mouth on the hot cheese)!

Feeds 2 (2 slices each). Prep time 3 mins. Cooking time 15 mins.