Learn how to cut leeks, including tips for cleaning, trimming, chopping, and slicing them, in this step-by-step tutorial. You’ll learn what park of the leek to eat, how to prepare leeks for soup and other recipes, and how to cook with them.
Leeks are a wonderful addition to recipes, providing a milder flavor than most other onions. They are a staple of many soups, including the beloved potato leek soup, and work well in stir fries, roasted vegetable dishes, pizzas, and more. You can pretty much use a leek wherever you would an onion.
If you’re new to preparing this vegetable, however, you may not know how to cut leeks. Plus, you may be wondering which part of the leek is used in cooking. This tutorial includes photos and a short video to show you how to clean and cut leeks.[feast_advanced_jump_to]
How to Clean Leeks
The best way to clean leeks is to slice them first, following the above directions, and then place them in a bowl of water. Leeks can hold onto a lot of dirt in between their layers, so it’s important to clean them well before using them in cooking.
Use your hands to swish the leeks around in the water to remove any stubborn dirt. Next, drain the leeks into a colander over the sink or another bowl. Rinse the leeks with water and pat dry.
How to Store Cut Leeks
Keep freshly cut leeks in an airtight container or tightly sealed plastic bag with as much air as possible removed. Store in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days for best results. You can also freeze leeks to extend their storage time.
In case you cannot find the answer to your questions in the above sections, here are some other frequently asked questions about cutting leeks.
Most recipes call for the white and light green part of leeks. You can technically eat the dark green part, but it has a much tougher texture. If you don’t want to waste this part, consider saving it to make homemade vegetable stock or use it in recipes where you cook it very well until tender.
Leeks are usually cut in a different way if they are going to be roasted or braised than if they are going to be used in soups or another recipe for which they will be sautéed. To prepare leeks for roasting, trim off the root and dark green part. Then, slice the white and light green part in half lengthwise. Keep them like that for roasting or for making recipes like my Caramelized Leeks.
Leeks can be eaten raw. Since they are milder than most other onions, some people prefer raw leeks to raw onions in salads or similar recipes.
The amount that a leek will yield depends on its size. A small leek may only yield about ½ cup chopped, whereas a medium to large leek yields closer to 1 cup chopped. Remember, you typically only cut the white and light green part of a leek, so the dark green top and leaves do not count towards its size.
How-To Clean and Cut Leeks
FAQ
Which part of leek to eat?
Is any part of a leek poisonous?
What does a single leek look like?
What do leeks look like?
Leeks have a long cylindrical shape with its root at the end and an array of green colors from white to light green to a dark green top. They are layered inside, similar to an onion. What does a Leek Taste Like? Leeks are similar to onions in flavor, but they are much milder, more delicate, and a little sweeter.
How do you cook Leek?
Place the leek on a cutting surface. Cut a thin slice from the root end using a chef’s knife ($40, Target) or a large knife. Cut the dark green, tough leaves off the end and discard. Remove any wilted leaves from the remaining light-color section. You now have the tender section of the leek that is best for cooking.
Can you cut Leek in half?
From there, since the leaves are still attached to the core, you are able to wash each layer well, under cold running water. For this method, do not cut your leek in half lengthwise; simply cut the leek into 1/2-inch rings crosswise. This yields a typical method of preparation in most recipes.
What does cooked leeks taste like?
Cooked leeks have a lovely sturdy-yet-silky texture. There are many different varieties of leeks—some are ready for harvest earlier or later in the season and there are variations in stalk width and how wide the leaves spread. However, there doesn’t tend to be a noticeable difference in flavor between types. Leek season is fall through spring.