Sweated Leeks with Thyme
   by Amy Rabb-Liu

6 large leeks
up to 1 stick of butter
3 bay leaves
Handful of thyme sprigs
Salt to taste

Cut away roots and dark green tops of leeks.  Slice leeks lengthwise in half,
then crosswise every 1/4 inch into semi-circular slices.  Drop cut leeks 
into large bowl of water.  Use hand to stir leeks, and rub off dirt.
Carefully lift leeks out of first bowl and into second large bowl of water.
(Do not pour leeks out of first bowl - you'll see all the dirt left in 
the bottom of that bowl, and you do not want to pour that dirt into the
second bowl of water.)  Again, use hand to stir leeks to wash remaining 
dirt off.

In large, heavy pot melt 2 Tbsp (1/4 stick) butter over medium heat.  
Pull a handful of leeks out of water, shake off excess water and 
drop into pot.  Add a couple more handfuls until pot contains a single 
layer of leeks.  Stir to coat leeks with butter.  Add bay leaves and 
thyme.  Cook for a couple of minutes until leeks begin to soften.  
With wooden spoon push softened leeks to edges of pot.  Pull another
handful of leeks out of water, shake off excess water and drop into pot.  
Be careful to avoid putting water in the pan, or the leeks will simmer 
instead of sweat.  Also, keep the heat low enough (medium should do it) 
that neither the butter nor the leeks begin to brown.  

Add a couple of more handfuls until again pot contains a single layer 
of leeks.  If needed, add another Tbsp of butter.  Again, cook until 
leeks begin to soften, push leeks to edge of pot.  Repeat these steps 
(adding leeks by handful, butter as needed) until all leeks are in pot.
Continue cooking over medium heat until leeks all have a soft, melted 
texture.  Depending on the size of your pot, and the size of your leeks, 
the cooking time (from when the butter first melts until the dish is 
done cooking) may be about 45 minutes total.  

When fully cooked, remove bay leaves and thyme stems (thyme leaves will 
probably have come off the stems and melted into the leeks).  Taste.  
Add salt if you like (but I think it is fine without any salt).  
Serves 10 as a side dish in a holiday meal.  Reheats very nicely.

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