Over the past months, several people mentioned to me that they often see leeks in the supermarket, but never buy them because they do not know how to prepare the onion-like vegetable. The leek, a vegetable that is part of the allium family, has a milder flavor than its two cousins, the onion and garlic. The dark green leaves, which grow above ground, are inedible due to its tough texture and lack of flavor, though they can be reserved for use in a bouquet garni. All of the flavor is found in the white and light green layers of the cylindrical bottom half of the vegetable.
Although it is a seemingly complicated vegetable, there is really nothing more to preparing a leek than a little washing and cutting. Leeks grow layer by layer, trapping dirt as each new fold is added. Therefore, it is necessary to get between the layers to rinse out the dirt and grit before slicing or julienning the leek. This is done by simply cutting the vegetable in half lengthwise and rinsing it under water, gently pulling aside the layers to access the dirt.
Leeks are versatile vegetables and the mild flavor enables them to pair with a variety of flavors. Cut in half or quarters, leeks can be left long and braised with fresh herbs. When cut or julienned, they can be used as a base for dishes such as soup or quiche.
How to do it:
Wash the outside of the leeks to remove any dirt. Cut off the dark green leaves. Cut at an angle to retain as much of the light green part of the leek as possible (left).
Cut the leek in half lengthwise, keeping the root intact (right).
Cleaning the leeks can be done one of two ways. You can either rinse the leek under running water, separating the folds to remove any dirt (as shown), or the leek can be soaked in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
The leeks may be used in this form, particularly if you wish to braise them. Alternatively, they can be sliced crosswise (left) or julienned (right) for use in dishes such as quiche or soup.
Dishes with leeks:
Kamut Salad with Orange, Leeks & Blue Cheese
Spicy Potato, Leek & Cauliflower Soup
Greek Baked Eggs with Leeks, Kalamata Olives & Goat Cheese
Callista
Oops. I've been using some of the dark green in my dishes, although they tasted okay as far as I know. You really have to waste all that part?
Kirsten Bowles
Oh Dara. You're amazing.
Sara @CaffeIna
I love leek in my soups but now I see that I was completely mistreating it lol!
Thanks for yet another wonderful how-to! I'm very clumsy in the kitchen so these posts really help me a lot
Barbara @ Modern Comfort Food
I love your How To... series, Dara. You've made such smart choices on what to cover, and your step-by step tutorials couldn't be clearer. Leeks and I are old friends now, but I remember well how daunted I felt on my first go at preparing them!
claudia lamascolo/aka pegasuslegend
Probably in the onion family right, have never had them but if I could eat these here is the site I would be coming to find out how to make them look perfect... your amazing... how did you learn all these things.... your lucky too that your family seems to eat everything you put in front of them... I am not that lucky picky picky eaters.... great job Dara!
Laurie
Thank you so much for posting this!! I never had leeks growing up (not very widely used in Asian mama's kitchen I guess...). Now off to find some leeks recipes 🙂
Marla
Gotta admit, before I knew what to do with leeks I avoided them at all costs. Now I love 'em and use them any chance I get. This post will help get folks to not be scared of this awesome veggie.
Parsley Sage
I just shivered at how WRONG I've been with leeks. Wow. Thank goodness I haven't made anybody sick. I'll be a rinsing queen from now on. Love your how to's. Thanks so much for sharing!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Washing leeks thoroughly takes a little extra time, but is definitely well-worth the effort. There's nothing worse than get a gritty bite.
Rosemary
I don't think I dared try to prepare a leek until I was over thirty! And now I'm addicted. I do hate to see what looks like a lot of waste in preparing them, but it's just food for the compost!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
They are addictive, aren't they? The large green leaves can also be used for bouquet garni (see link in the post).
Bonnie Banters
Neat tutorial. I'm sure I've used leeks at some point...don't remember...so I appreciate the refresher! Thanks!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Bonnie, it's time to pull out those leeks again. They have a wonderful mellow flavor.
Frank
Thanks, Dana, for another great tutorial! I love leeks, too: braised in butter and then gratinéed with some parmesan cheese... yum!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
That's a wonderful way to enjoy leeks. Thanks, Frank.
Barbara | VinoLuciStyle
Some truths about me. First, I think your how to posts are great though after cooking since I was a young teen and now the mom of grown children, I suppose I know a lot of the basics.
Second. I have never bought a leek because I dreaded the whole cleaning thing, so contrary to popular belief? You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
You're too funny, Barb. It's never too late to start cooking something new!
Peggy
I definitely love all of your how-to posts! This is another great one! =)
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Peggy. I'm glad you find them helpful.
Dmarie
just stumbled upon your site when trying to find a recipe to substitute for a can of lemonade concentrate. so glad I did...love the pierogie recipe & look forward to looking around more. thanks!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I'm glad you found me and hope to see you back again!
Maris (In Good Taste)
Your how to posts are very helpful. Great pictures as usual!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks so much, Maris.
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
great post! Love your tutorials!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Alison.
Sara M
I've never used leeks in any way other than sliced. I've found that if you're slicing them, it's easier to slice them first and then drop them in a bowl filled with water. The grit and dirt sinks to the bottom and the leeks are clean!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Sara, that's a great tip. I always like to hear from others who have their own way of prepping/cooking.
Katrina
I had no idea what to do with a leek until you posted this! Thanks!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
You're most welcome, Katrina. I'm glad it's helpful.
Kalynskitchen
My leeks never look this pretty when I'm cleaning them!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Ha! They were posing for their photo shoot.
Christy B.
I love all your "how-to" posts. I always learn something new. 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Christy. I'm so glad you find them helpful.