Start by thoroughly washing the leek, then slice it thinly into rings. Set aside for later use.
Warm the water and milk in a saucepan. The liquid should be lukewarm, not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the lukewarm water, then let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom and become foamy.
Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the salt, and then the yeast mixture. Mix the dough, and knead it with the olive oil until it becomes smooth and elastic. If necessary, add a little more water to prevent the dough from becoming too dry.
Cover and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in volume.
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, or 350°F (180°C) for convection ovens). In a skillet, sauté the sliced leek in a little oil until softened and lightly caramelized. Let it cool down.
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a work surface and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into long ropes, then shape them into pretzels.
Place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Before putting them in the oven, brush them with a little water and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake the pretzels for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
When done, let them cool slightly, then serve warm. They make a perfect accompaniment to a cup of fresh tea.
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