licia
Executive Chef
I've never used them before and would like some really good ideas. Thanks a bunch!
My first time with fresh leeks
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GB
Chief Eating Officer
Use them anywhere that you would use onions. Leeks have a wonderful flavor.
A classic is potato and leek soup.
A classic is potato and leek soup.
Half Baked
Executive Chef
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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
Chief Eating Officer
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.
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.
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.
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.
But most common thing I do with them is make a leek and potato soup. Hot in winter and cold in summer.
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
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
Master Chef
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
Master Chef
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
Executive Chef
Do I use any of the green part and if so, how much? How can I tell how much to use?
This is my favorite way to use leeks Licia. I don't use the green parts.
Leek and rice
3-4 good sized leeks
1 cup rice
olive oil
1-2 cups water
1/2 tomato sauce
salt, pepper, paprika
Directions:
cut green part off of the leek.
slice the white part in half... wash well and then cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
Put olive oil in pan and saute leek for 5 to 10 minutes (should be nice and soft)
Add 1-2 cups water and cook for 5 minutes.
Add tomato sauce, rice, salt, pepper and paprika...
Bring to a boil, stir, cover and reduce heat. Continue cooking for 20 minutes or until liquid is gone.
Leek and rice
3-4 good sized leeks
1 cup rice
olive oil
1-2 cups water
1/2 tomato sauce
salt, pepper, paprika
Directions:
cut green part off of the leek.
slice the white part in half... wash well and then cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
Put olive oil in pan and saute leek for 5 to 10 minutes (should be nice and soft)
Add 1-2 cups water and cook for 5 minutes.
Add tomato sauce, rice, salt, pepper and paprika...
Bring to a boil, stir, cover and reduce heat. Continue cooking for 20 minutes or until liquid is gone.
licia,licia said:
I don't use the green except maybe the very pale green right near where the white begins. I find the upper dark green leaves stringy and tough.
kadesma
Half Baked
Executive Chef
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ditto, I do
Half Baked
Executive Chef
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ditto, I do the same
Half Baked
Executive Chef
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*stutter*
Half Baked said:*stutter*
, me too sometimes!kadesma
licia
Executive Chef
Thanks a bunch. I'll clean them well and use only the white, with maybe a tinge of green.
kats
Assistant Cook
This one is a winner:
I cut two leeks lenghwise (just the white part) and then finely slice them. Then I get a medium skillet and soften them in butter (a little less than half of a stick). I add some vermouth (150ml, which is around 5 oz or 2/3 of a cup), let it evaporate and add broth (100ml, a little less than half a cup, I guess it's 3.5 oz) and cream (400g, it's a little less than a pint). Then I let this liquid get thicker and evaporate until it's around half of the original volume.
In pieces of aluminum foil, I put either steaks of salmon or salmon cut in cubes, add the sauce and close the aluminum. Oven (200 C, 390 F) for 15 minutes (if the salmon is in cubes) or 20 to 25 (if it's in thick steaks). I serve each person an aluminum foil package.
It's great!
I cut two leeks lenghwise (just the white part) and then finely slice them. Then I get a medium skillet and soften them in butter (a little less than half of a stick). I add some vermouth (150ml, which is around 5 oz or 2/3 of a cup), let it evaporate and add broth (100ml, a little less than half a cup, I guess it's 3.5 oz) and cream (400g, it's a little less than a pint). Then I let this liquid get thicker and evaporate until it's around half of the original volume.
In pieces of aluminum foil, I put either steaks of salmon or salmon cut in cubes, add the sauce and close the aluminum. Oven (200 C, 390 F) for 15 minutes (if the salmon is in cubes) or 20 to 25 (if it's in thick steaks). I serve each person an aluminum foil package.
It's great!
Last edited:
Half Baked
Executive Chef
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mmmm Kats, that's a keeper!
kats
Assistant Cook
Half Baked said:
It is. I got it from a brazilian book some months ago (the same book that had the rustic tomato pie, mmmm) and, since then, we've been making it a lot. Also, it's'a quick dinner to make. If anyone tries, please, let me know how it goes!
