1. Trim off the roots and the coarse dark green part of the tops. Don’t throw them away – they’re great for adding to stocks.
2. Cut the leeks in half lengthways.
3. Wash under a running tap, fanning the layers and rinsing away any grit or soil trapped between them.
4. Drain thoroughly and slice as required.

Do you have to soak the leeks before cooking

Soak the stalks in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes or so, then rinse under cold running water in the sink.

The long soak allows the water to penetrate the leek’s many layers, clearing out all the bits of debris.

Once you veg is all cleaned up and dirt-free, it’s time to get cooking’

Do you eat the Green Part of the Leek

We traditionally trim the green tops off leeks and throw them away, but the thick leaves are perfectly edible and have just as much if not more flavour than the milder, pale end.

How to Clean Leeks

Consider the leek.

It’s majestic, a titan in the onion family.

Mostly just the white and light green parts are eaten, though the darker green parts have plenty of flavour and can either be cooked longer to tenderize them or used when making homemade soup stock.

The challenge when cooking with leeks is that they are almost always dirty.

When leeks are grown, soil is piled up around them, so that more of the leek is hidden from the sun, and therefore lighter in colour and more tender.

What produces a beautiful leek, a long pale body, also results in sand and dirt being lodged deep inside the leek.

Decide how much of the leek greens you want to use. They are tougher and can be stronger tasting, but soften with long cooking.

The last couple of inches of the dark green ends should probably be discarded or saved for making stock. (I put mine in a plastic bag and drop it in the freezer.)

Make crosswise cuts along the parts of the leek that you intend to use.

Place the chopped leeks into a bowl and fill with cold water. (If the leeks are especially dirty, rinse them first in a colander, before covering with water.)

Use your hands to agitate the leeks and dislodge any dirt or sand that may be clinging to them.

Ever heard of potato leek soup? I thought so!

But how often do you cook leeks in other recipes?

Have you tried them in pasta, stuffing, or risotto?

Have you eaten them on their own?

If I had my way, we’d all be eating leeks way more often.

They’re incredibly versatile, adding unique, sweet, and mild onion flavor to a huge range of dishes

To spread the leek love,

I’m sharing my go-to methods for how to cut, clean, and cook leeks below, as well as my favourite leek recipes.

If you have a leek in your fridge right now,

I hope you’re excited.

his veggie seems humble, but there’s so much that it can do!

preparing leeks for roasting

how to eat leeks

how to prepare leeks for soup

how to prepare leeks

to cook leeks

to store leeks