While it is certainly true that many dishes of the world originated in France, Italy in fact, is the creator of many more, as it has a more ancient cuisine. However, this leek tart is possibly a variation of quiche lorraine. Leeks are particularly popular in the North of Italy, where they are cooked in numerous ways. Most often they are boiled and served covered with grated Parmesan and melted butter: they are then called "leeks Parmigiana."