My first time with fresh leeks

[licia]

I've never used them before and would like some really good ideas. Thanks a bunch!

[GB]

Use them anywhere that you would use onions. Leeks have a wonderful flavor.

A classic is potato and leek soup.

[Half Baked]

Rinse rinse rinse...some leeks have alot of dirt in the lower part. I sometimes cut them in half lengthwise and soak them in water. The dirts falls to the bottom of the bowl.

[GB]

I slice them lengthwise and hold them under running water while I seperate the leaves and rub with my finger to get the dirt out.

[Ishbel]

Leeks are very popular in Scotland. Most winter dishes have leeks in them!

Take two leeks,washed and trimmed, wrap a couple of slices of ham round the middle. Put in an oven-proof dish and cover with a little cheese sauce, sprinkle with a little extra grated cheese. Put into a hot oven until the leeks are cooked through.

I add leeks to most things in winter, stews, casseroles, cock a leekie soup (think I put my family recipe for that soup on here somewhere!), Scotch broth...

I love them finely sliced into stir fries, instead of onions.

[lulu]

My favourite, though naughty, way is too gently soften them with a little butter and eat them just like that. Baby leeks are also lovely steamed...but yes, the dirt can be a huge problem.

But most common thing I do with them is make a leek and potato soup. Hot in winter and cold in summer.

[kadesma]

licia,
I have one I posted back in march that we really enjoy, it's rich but an occasional treat.
you saute your leeks in butter til limp or wilted, then add nutmeg,salt, pepper and about a cup of heavy cream, I use the 1/2 and 1/2 the amount depends on amount of leeks,,,I use about 8 large leeks.anyway cook about a minute or two then with slotted spoon put leeks in a buttered gratin pan, Cook your cream over high heat til reduced slightly. Pour it over the leeks and sprinkle with some parmesan cheese. Put the gratin pan into a larger pan with small amount of water in bottom of larger pan and bake at 350f about 35 min..we find this good with ham, chicken, pork, beef, even fish seems to go with anything

kadesma

[Constance]

A simple thing I like to do with leeks is to slice them and combine with whatever vegies I have on hand...new potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, baby carrots...and braise in chicken broth with a little minced garlic, salt, pepper and a pinch of thyme or other herb of your choice.

[SizzlininIN]

Thanks for posting the question. I've only cooked with them once and it was in a stir-fry. Now I have other ideas and ways I can use them. Thanks again!

[licia]

Do I use any of the green part and if so, how much? How can I tell how much to use?