Leeks are a delicious and versatile ingredient and can be seasoned and fried simply in butter or added to a number of dishes from soups to pies and casseroles.
You'll need to clean them properly before using because dirt can be trapped in their layers. Here's how to make sure they're ready for cooking.
How to prepare leeks for cooking
Cut through leek lengthways, from where white starts to turn green, along to leafy end. Turn over and cut through again.
Rinse leek under cold running water, separating inner layers so that water can run in. Make sure all grit is removed.
Remove hard outer leaves if necessary, then slice widthways across leek, discarding the very tip of the leafy section. Keep slicing down to the root at the white end.
How to cook leeks
Season well and gently fry in butter until tender, or cook according to recipe instructions.
Or for braised leeks cut five leeks into three pieces each. Remove and discard the outer five or so layers of each leek piece.
Pour about 50ml of vegetable or chicken stock into a pan and add the leeks. Bring to boil; simmer for 20min or until leeks are tender.
Lift out leeks and arrange in an ovenproof dish.
Preheat grill to medium. Dot butter over the leeks and season and sprinkle over 25g of white breadcrumbs and 25g of cheese such as Gruyere.
Grill for 3-5min until the topping is crisp and the leeks are piping hot. Perfect when served with beef.
15 of the best leek recipes
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