Poronegi no guriru, nanbansu-zuke / grilled leek in spicy vinegar

A small pickle-like dish. Grilling intensifies the sweetness of leeks, and the mildly spicy vinegar marinade is a nice counterpoint. 

<Ingredients>

2 leeks

For nanbanzu marinade
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp sake
1 tbsp dashi
1 red chili pepper (slices)


<Directions>
1.

In a small pot, put all ingredients for nanbanzu marinade and bring to boil. Set aside.

2.

Cut leeks into 3-4 cm, and grill.

Grilling over direct fire is ideal.
Here in the photo, leeks are grilled and steamed in a covered frying pan on medium low to low heat, occasionally turning, until surface is partially brown.

Put leeks in marinade, and soak for 10-20 minutes.

<Notes>

• Try this with Japanese naganegi onions if you can find them. With naganegi, it would be a good idea to substitute 1/2 tbsp mirin or 1 tsp sugar for sake, because naganegi has a more pungent taste compared to leeks.
• Nanban implies red chili peppers.