Leeks

[Mike H]

My bride came home from the grocery with a couple leeks. We've never cooked them before.
What s the best way to prepare them?

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[Tannhauser]

I like making leek and potato soup. Cut the leeks into one inch pieces, wash them thoroughly (and I mean thoroughly, separate all the layers as you wash them). Saute for a bit in some butter, add potatoes cut into pieces (anywhere from half to a full inch, depending on how chunky you like it). Add in some garlic, a bay leaf, and chicken broth. Simmer until all is cooked, and enjoy.

 

[Alacrity59]

Saute them in butter and garlic then add to rice risotto is another nice use of them.

 

[Odenihy]

I think of leeks as fancy, mellow onions. So, they work in most situations where onion would.

They are not really a “side dish” vegetable, but more of a helper in a recipe.

 

[Vespasian]

A festive leek side-dish; recipe for 4 leeks:

--Trim off leaves and roots
--Split lengthwise and wash very thoroughly, drain off water
--Lay leeks cut side up in a shallow buttered baking dish
--Mix 1/2 pint heavy cream with meaux mustard (the kind with the seeds, 3 tablespoons), salt, and pepper
--Pour mustard-cream mixture over the leeks
--Cover with buttered breadcrumbs - a little added parmesan is good, but not necessary
--Bake uncovered in medium oven until breadcrumbs are brown

This is a very flexible recipe, nice for crowded holiday ovens, as cooking time can be adjusted according to need; it sits on the buffet quite well for a half-hour or so. Quite rich, perfect side dish with turkey, for instance.

 

[TexLaw]

They often have a decent amount of grit in them, so you typically want to half or quarter them lengthwise to clean adequately. They are great anywhere you would like sweet, mellow onion.

Save the tough parts of the leaves for vegetable stock (although it's also good to put them in whole for that). I often split one or two and drop them in t roasting pan with the carrots, onions, and other veggies that will be blended and made into yummy gravy.

 

[shavefan]

I love cooking with leeks! Leek and potato soup is always a winner around here

 

[djh]

As was mentioned earlier, they are a mild and sweeter type of onion. I cook leeks with mushrooms and a little tarragon to make a pasta sauce and they are terrific in many soups and braises.

 

[DoctorShavegood]

leeks can also go in a pot of beans, braising beef spare ribs or stews.

 

[galopede]

In my home country of Wales we wear them on St David's Day, 1st March!

Gareth

 

[oc_in_fw]

In my home country of Wales we wear them on St David's Day, 1st March!

Gareth

 

[Macfrommichigan]

I like making leek and potato soup. Cut the leeks into one inch pieces, wash them thoroughly (and I mean thoroughly, separate all the layers as you wash them). Saute for a bit in some butter, add potatoes cut into pieces (anywhere from half to a full inch, depending on how chunky you like it). Add in some garlic, a bay leaf, and chicken broth. Simmer until all is cooked, and enjoy.

+1. But add a drizzle of cream at the end.

 

[Rushman2112]

Prep as previously described to get all the grit out and slice in half lengthwise. Grill either on BBQ or griddle, and serve with melted butter.

 

[Vespasian]

Chilled leek-n-potato soup, with cream stirred in, chopped chives on top = vichyssoise...... mmmm......

 

[Mike H]

Cooked it up tonight with some butter and purple potatoes and garlic. Should have sliced it a little smaller. But it was good. They are very nice and I think I prefer them to onions.

Thanks guys

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[Alacrity59]

Nice in risotto too. Wild mushroom, rainbow chard, leek ragout is pretty tasty.

 

[Thu'umhammer]

Leeks are an all around favourite of mine, and very versatile. I think everyone's covered the main ways I use them.