The two easiest ways to clean leeks
Circle cross-section of green leek. Photo, IStock.
The onion's stalky, slightly less aromatic cousin lends its mild flavour well to soups, creamy risottos and one of our all-time favourites: chicken and leek pie. The base (white) area of the leek contains the most flavour, becoming milder as you progress from the light-green centre of the leaves to its dark green, thick (and somewhat tough) end. And because the layered leaves and root can trap dirt inside, it’s important to clean leeks thoroughly before cooking.
In the video above:
Method one: Cut the leeks in half-length wise and soak them in a bowl of room-temperature water.
Method two: Cut the leeks into circular slices and place them in a bowl of water. In both cases, the grit will sink to the bottom.
Below, you'll find a few leek recipes that are sure to become family favourites:
Skillet chicken pot pie
A simple, one-pan wonder that brings big flavour to the dinner table (with less mess!). Get our skillet chicken pot pie recipe.
Classic fish chowder
Transport yourself to the East Coast with a rich bowl of this fish, potato and cream-based soup. (We used haddock, but any white fish will taste great.) Get our classic fish chowder recipe.
Classic turkey soup
Leftovers hanging around in the fridge? No problem! Throw that turkey into one of the most popular Thanksgiving leftover recipes of all: soup. Get our classic turkey soup recipe.
Leek and pancetta galette
Creamy Boursin cheese is paired with sautéed leeks, mushrooms and pancetta for a savoury galette. Get the recipe.
Chicken and leek pie
The leeks, thyme and garlic makes this a deliciously fragrant dish. (It also tastes as good as it smells.) Get the recipe.
Crazy-good cilantro soup
Leeks don’t have to be front and centre—use them as an aromatic when preparing your soup (try this method) and let another ingredient take the spotlight. Get the recipe.
Gingery tofu and rice noodle soup
This warming vegetarian soup is perfect for early fall (and the start of cold season). Packed with iron-rich spinach and fresh ginger, it’s our new cure-all. Get the recipe.
Roasted cauliflower and leek pasta
Cold-weather comfort food to put a smile on your face! For dinner tonight, penne rigate is tossed with cream, parmesan, herbs and roasted veggies. Get the recipe.
Creamy leek dip
This dip is an easy add-on to your entertaining season repertoire. (Bonus: Ready is just 15 minutes!) Get the recipe.
Parsnip, apple and leek soup
There are many wonderful layers of subtle flavours to this soup. Make it up to two days in advance and reheat, thinning with more broth if desired. Get the recipe.
Leek and fennel soup with poached haddock
Chowder takes the backseat tonight. This aromatic, creamy soup is a simple comfort food you can put together in under an hour. Toasted fennel and sautéed leeks lend it a gourmet taste, without all the heavy lifting. Get the recipe.
Turkey and leek risotto
This is one of our favourite ways to use up leftover turkey. The creamy rosotto hits all the right flavour notes, with a touch a sage, shavings of parmesan and, of course, juicy bits of turkey. Get the recipe.
Chicken noodle soup
Skip the boxed stuff: This cozy comfort food is easily made at home (and tastes better, too). Get the recipe.
Artichoke and leek vichyssoise
A creamy and elegant starter soup, ideal for entertaining. Finish with olive tapenade, tomato, onion and oil. Get the recipe.
Ottolenghi’s baked blue cheesecake with pickled beets and honey
An entertaining marvel, this dish, from Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully’s cookbook Nopi will dazzle your dinner guests. Get the recipe.
More:
A simple and safe way to cut butternut squash
The best way to peel beets
How to de-stem leafy greens
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