If you want a versatile ingredient that'll add a boost of extra nutrients to everything from scrambled eggs to casserole, get yourself acquainted with our old friend, the leek. Learn how to cut leeks and how to cook leeks following my easy steps.
Make sure to remove the dark green leaves and the root end of the leek.Slices: A sharp knife will get you even thin slices of leek. The leek itself can unravel a little when you slice, so this method is best for soups and stews.Lengthwise: Run a sharp knife through the middle of the leek to get whole pieces.Half Moons: Another option that's great for soups and casseroles, as well as salads, this involves cutting slices in half.Thins: Known professionally as "julienned", this involves cutting the leek into thin, short strips that are great for sprinkling over salads, or frying and serving as a side dish.Refer to the images on the blog post.
How to Clean Leeks
Once you've cut your leeks, place them in a large bowl of water and salt. Leave them to soak. Then, strain the leeks and pour some more water over them. Leeks have dirt on the inside between the "leaves", so be sure to rinse your leeks well before cooking.
How to Cook Leeks
Sauteed in Pan
Heat a pan or griddle and drop in some oil or butter. Add your leeks to the pan, then season well with salt and pepper. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until the leeks are soft.
Roasted in Oven
Set your oven to 430ºF/220ºC and prep your leeks. I prefer them cut sliced or lengthwise – as these keep their shape better when roasted – but you can cut them however you like.
Season to your liking. I like to drizzle the leek with olive oil, sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper, as well as any herbs or seasonings you'd like. Leek is complemented well by thyme, tarragon, chives, and sage, as well as stronger flavors like mustard and garlic.
Roast for about 30-40 minutes. Best to check in after 20-25 minutes to make sure the roasted leeks don't burn.
Grilled in Hot Griller
Excellent addition to a BBQ, you'll want to cut your leeks lengthwise so they hold their shape. Heat a griddle pan or your BBQ grill until it's hot. Drizzle or brush the leeks with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Add to the heat and grill on both sides for 3-4 minutes until grill marks can be seen.
Notes
How to freeze leeks? Leeks can be difficult to freeze because of their high-water content – they can go mushy very quickly. But there is a way. Blanching your leeks before putting them in a freezer-proof container will help them keep them for longer. This can keep them good for up to a year!Check the blog post for serving suggestions and answers to top FAQs!