Leeks à la Grecque (Greek-Style Leeks)

Ingredients

• 4 leeks (about 2 pounds)
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 fresh marjoram sprigs
• 3 fresh oregano sprigs
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 1 cup chopped seeded tomato
• 2 tablespoons chopped pitted kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh marjoram
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Remove roots, outer leaves, and tops from leeks, leaving 1 1/2 to 2 inches of dark leaves. Slice leeks in half lengthwise to within 1 inch of bulb end, and rinse with cold water. Arrange the leeks in a single layer in the bottom on a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Combine water and next 6 ingredients (through cinnamon) in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Pour vinegar mixture over leeks. Cover with foil, and bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until leeks are tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove leeks; reserve cooking liquid. Cool leeks to room temperature. Cover and chill 2 hours.
4. Place the cooking liquid in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Discard solids.
5. Place 2 leek halves on each of 4 small plates; top each serving with 1/4 cup tomato and 1 1/2 teaspoons of olives. Drizzle 1 tablespoon reserved liquid over each serving, and divide cheese evenly among plates. Sprinkle evenly with chopped marjoram and chopped oregano.