Wondering how to cut leeks for recipes? This post will walk you through how to pick, clean, and cut leeks like a pro! Use the vegetable in soups and stews, roast them in the oven, or sauté them.
What Are Leeks
Leeks are a type of vegetable that is related to onions, garlic, and shallots. They have long, white, cylindrical stalks that are thicker than green onions. They are mild in flavor compared to a regular onion.
The leaves of the leek are long, flat, and dark green in color. They are tough and fibrous, so usually only the white parts are used. I usually dispose of the dark green parts, but you can save them to make stock with. The white parts are tender and have the most flavor.
Leeks are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. They are typically available in the fall and winter months but can be found year-round in many grocery stores.
How to Select Leeks
When at the grocery store, look for leeks that have a firm, white bulb with crisp, dark green leaves. Avoid leeks that have wilted or yellowing leaves. Also, avoid leeks with soft or spongy spots.
How to Cut Leeks
- Cut the top dark leafy green portion off the leeks.
- Cut the bottom root end of the leeks.
- Cut the white part of the leek in half lengthwise. Skip this part if you prefer round slices.
- Place the leeks halves cut side down, then cut the leek into thin half moons strips.
How to Clean Leeks
- Place the sliced leeks into a large bowl. Fill it up with water.
- Using your hands, swish the leeks around to help loosen any dirt or debris.
- Using your hands, scoop up the sliced leek and place them on a towel to dry.
Tips
- I recommend scooping the leeks out of the bowl of water and not draining the water out. When you stir the leeks, any dust, dirt, or debris will settle at the bottom of the bowl. If you pour the water out, the dirt will end up back onto the leeks.
- I wash the leeks after cutting them because leeks are grown in the ground. So, sand and dirt can get into the layers of the leeks that are difficult to rinse off while uncut.
- One medium leek usually yields around 1 cup of sliced leeks.
Storage
- Cut leeks can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. I line the bottom of the container with some paper towels to absorb any extra moisture or water that didn’t dry off from the rinsing. However, try to dry them off as best you can so they stay crisp. I like to run the cut leeks through a salad spinner to dry them off.
- To freeze the cut leeks, flash-freeze them on a lined sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. I like to toss them, frozen, into soups to add some extra veggies to the soup.
How to Trim Leeks
When instructions say “trim the leeks,” it simply means to slice off the dark green leaves (the top of the leek) and then slice off the root. It is the first set of images posted above in the “how to” section.
Recipes Using Leeks
You can add leeks to soups and stews, roast them in the oven, or sauté them. You can also enjoy them raw in a salad. Here are a few recipes to try using leeks!
- Whole Thai Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk
- Potato and Leek Soup from One Pot Only
- Creamy Parsnip Soup from I Heart Vegetables
- Green Shakshuka from Kay Nutrition
- Mushroom Broth from Champagne Tastes
How to Cut and Clean Leeks
Ingredients
- 1-3 leeks
Equipment
- knife
- cutting board
- Large Bowl
Instructions
How to Cut Leeks
- Trim off the top dark green leafy part of the leek as well as the root.
- Cut the white part of the leek in half lengthwise. Skip this part if you prefer round slices.
- Place the leeks halves cut side down, then cut the leek into thin half moons strips.
How to Clean Leeks
- Place the sliced leeks into a large bowl. Fill it up with water.
- Using your hands, swish the leeks around to help loosen any dirt or debris.
- Using your hands, scoop up the sliced leek and place them on a towel to dry.
Nutrition Per Serving
More Guides
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- How to Cut Romaine Lettuce
- How to Make Pumpkin Puree
- How to Freeze Green Onions
- How to Freeze Butter
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