You want to learn how to cut leeks but first you have to prep them. Because of the way they grow, leeks leaves are filled with soil, sometimes all the way to the interior of the leek. So prep work is essential. Here's how to pre and cut leeks.
The first time I ever cooked with a leek was when I was making a potato/leek soup, years ago. The instructions told me to "prep the leeks". Huh? I thought a leek was like a massive spring onion. I don't need to prep a spring onion. Why I gotta prep a leek? Here's why ...
So I didn't. I cut the end with the roots off and started slicing. I sliced the whole sucker up, all the way to the tips. Then I noticed a tiny bit of dirt on one of the slices. Then more dirt, then a part of a leaf. I wiped the bit of dirt I could see off and started sauteing away. What resulted was a dirt filled pan with some partly cooked bitter leeks that not even a blender could pulverize.
I shouldda prepped my leeks. Problem is, I didn't know what prepping a leek was. I'd never cooked with them before so how would I know?? The same way I don't cook with mushrooms (blech) so I have no idea how to prep them. (kay ... I'll give you Portabellas, Portabella mushrooms are pretty good)
So ... I have for you today,
How to Prep a Leek
The leek really is similar to a massive green onion (scallion, spring onion). It has a bit of a different flavour and definitely isn't as strong as an onion or green onion. I know this because when I slice a leek my mascara only cries down to my nostrils as opposed to when I chop onions and I have mascara dripping off my chin.
To prep it, the first thing you do is slice it down the centre.
If you're like me, you'll think perfect! The leek is prepped! It's not.
Because, on further inspection, the leek is filled with dirt. And yes, those are even cedar leaves. (I looked it up ... the green part of the cedar are really called leaves)
So the second part of prepping a leek is to wash it under water. Not just rinse ... wash. No, not with soap. Just water. Let the water run in between all of the layers of the leek. They're filled with dirt! Dirty old leeks.
Good. Now your leek is almost prepped. You're doing an excellent job. Your mother would be proud.
Now all you have to do is work your way down the dark green, woody part of the leaves and cut them off. You want to be left with the white and light green portion of the leeks. The dark green stuff is chewy, tough and bitter when you cook it. If that's your thing, go nuts ... chow down on the grossness of the dark green leek. But we can't be friends anymore and I'm definitely not coming for dinner.
How to prep leeks.
Leeks need to be prepped before you cook them by nature of the way they grow. They're covered with soil as they grow which means the leaves always have dirt in between t hem.
Materials
- A bunch of leeks
- knife
Instructions
- Cut the tough green leaves off the top of the leek. They can be composted or thrown in the freezer to flavour broth.
- Split the leek lengthwise with a sharp knife.
- Run each leek half under a strong stream of water to wash away any dirt making sure to separate the leaves so water can get in everywhere.
- Now slice however the recipe requires.
Almost all recipes for leeks call for you to slice them thinly, like so. You're done. You've prepped a leek.
In closing, when a recipe suggests you do something ... you should probably do it. Unless it tells you to add mushrooms. In which case you should ignore it entirely.
→Follow me on Instagram where I often make a fool of myself←
I didn't even read the post, but looked at the pictures and now I think I can do it. You should be in TV -ha ha. This looks like a story board. What else can you teach us to do? How about crocheting? Ann
Timely info as usual Karen. I'm off to dig leeks and carrots from the garden next. I usually use the colander method, but I'm game for something new. The leeks are so pleasing when sliced lengthwise.
Wow, I feel right at home. I hate green bell peppers with a passion. I can even smell them in the house if someone cuts them up! But I like green poblano peppers, and jalapenos, etc. Go figure.
This article reminds me to go get the leeks out of my garden. Thank you!
I call green onions shallots. I think it might be a Montreal thing. Also, my favourite soup as a kid was what my mom called *leak soup*. I only found out recently that it was actually carrot/leak soup. And to this day my initial thought when I see a leak is: that's not a leak... leaks are orange.
Devin - That must be a Montreal thing! Shallots are actually this, although I noticed they called green onions, "shallots" on Masterchef Australia. ~ karen!
Thanks for the clarification! That explaines why the *shallots* seemed out of place in the rosemary/sole recipe I made a few weeks ago!
Mushrooms are ONLY acceptable if they are all but pulverized. Chopped into about 1/8 of an inch pieces. Even then, they should be regarded with suspicion.
What is AWESOME however, is mushroom powder (no, not THAT kind of mushroom). You can find powdered mushrooms at some fancy food stores. They're great for putting into dark soups or into gravy. They add something yummy with absolutely no disgusting mushroom smell or texture.
Neat stuff to have on hand.
Yes! Pulverize them! I am generally anti-mushroom, but I do like a well-pulverized mushroom soup. I even made some last week, much to the shock of my husband ("the man who will eat any hideous, squicky mushroom")
Thanks for solving the mystery Karen. I sorta kinda knew how to prep a leek. Now I can go at it with confidence!
Seriously so helpful. I did not know this. Thank you!
(That looks really sarcastic when I re-read it, but trust me there is not an ounce of sarcasm there.)
Wow. Offhand, I can't think of anything I don't like to eat. Mushrooms are delicacies. Green peppers add just the right flavor to so many dishes. And both are good raw or cooked. Do I need counseling?
No, you're very, very lucky! I wish I liked everything...it would make life easier and tastier!
Mushrooms are called "squigglies" in our house because that is how they feel on your teeth when you chew into them. Ish! No squigglies in my food!
Ooopsss...that explains why the baby leeks I had two days ago were crunchy! Never thought to slice them lengthwise before washing them!
On another note...I'm sorry you don't like mushrooms :(
Eleni - Thanks. Yeah .. me too. Life'd be easier if I liked mushrooms. ~ k
I'm not trying to be difficult here, but why not first cut the parts you don't need and THEN wash the rest?
Ira - You can slice and wash in a collander if you like, makes no difference. I prefer to do it this way. You can do it that way. It's not washing the dark green portion of the leaves is a big time suck or anything. No big whoop. ~ karen!
Just last week I was in the health food store eyeing the leeks. They were beautiful. I'd just read a recipe for leek stuffed something or other. I wanted to buy them, but I knew I didn't know how to CLEAN them. And now I do! Thank you!
This is great. I love your writing. You've inspired me to commit to making whatever recipe you put up next week.
Lol.
I have not tried cooking with a leek but am going to try to in the near future. Thanks for the heads up on how to prep a leek
I think I know what you might be cooking up next week. Ssshh I won't say a word.
If you cut the dark green parts off first you have less to wash. I also cut the roots off before I wash them so I can wash all the way down to the bottom - but this does mean the leaves can come apart.
Wish you did like mushrooms. I am never quite sure how to prep them - wash or just wipe?
you can also thinly slice the leek *before* you rinse it (in a colander, or soak them in a bowl and then drain) to make it easier to get all of the dirt out. it's often easier to rinse them fully when they're already in small pieces and there's nowhere for the dirt to hide :)
I have always avoided leeks because I was to silly to find out how to prep and cook them. This was info I wanted and needed to know, but never investigated on my own. Thanks Karen.
I prepped a leek once. Did it wrong. Decided I didn't ever need to buy/use leeks again. Better be a spectacular recipe or I'll be re-reading the fire broth and sausage recipe. ;)
Okay, I'm with Aimee about the mushrooms but I love bell peppers...except the green ones. Gross.
Karen, I wish I'd had your prep tip before I ruined my first leek dish last year. lol
No, see, you're confusing mushrooms with bell peppers. You ADD mushrooms to every savory recipe lacking them and IGNORE any calls for grody bell peppers. Don't feel too badly, it's an easy mistake to make. :)
Aimee - I thinkkkkkk the word I'm looking for is *gasp*!!! You ... you ... mushroom lover! Ack. ~ karen
No,no, no. One must ignore both mushroom additions and bell pepper....but bellpepper most importantly!
Seconded.
But add garlic to EVERYTHING.