Raw Leeks? Green Leeks? Dirty Leeks? How to Cook Leeks!

 Raw Leeks? Green Leeks? Dirty Leeks? How to Cook Leeks!

Leeks are a versatile vegetable, but most cooks don't take advantage of all the possibilities the bulb has to offer. Here are some answers to a few of the most common questions about leeks:

Can I eat raw leeks? Yes, you can. The white part of the bulb, thoroughly cleaned and thinly sliced, is a wonderful topping for soups, salads, and grilled meats. The flavor of raw leeks is pretty strong, but when chopped in tiny pieces, it adds a pungent kick to the meals it accompanies.

Can I eat the green part of the leeks? Absolutely. The only difference between the green part and white part is texture. The green part needs longer cooking time to soften up, like in our recipe, but it's equally flavorful.

Why are leeks so full of dirt? Leeks are protected from excessive sun exposure by piling dirt around the stems; by doing so, the stems turn out paler in color and softer in texture. Thus, a thorough wash and preparation are necessary.

How long do leeks need to be cooked? It depends on the method of cooking, as you can steam, boil, or braise them. Generally, sliced leeks need at least 7 to 10 minutes on medium-high heat; for whole smaller leeks, allow at least 12 to 15 minutes.

Sautéed spinach and leeks is a quick and easy, healthy side dish with simple ingredients and delicious flavor!

Leeks are low in calories and rich in phytochemicals. They're also among the sweetest members of the onion family, making them a perfect match for a tangy mustard vinaigrette.

Potato Leek Frittata is more similar to a quiche, with a potato crust and great flavor from the leeks.

Asparagus and Leek tart has the most amazing flavor combination from the addition of Gruyere cheese and fresh herbs. It is quick and easy to put together and the results are delicious!

Want to freeze leeks? 

The leeks will need to be blanched in order for you to freeze them properly. 

You'll need to get a pan of water boiling. 

Clean and chop the leeks. 

Get a bowl of ice water ready. 

You'll need a slotted spoon and a strainer. 

Now we're going to add a scoop of leeks into the boiling water for 3 minutes. 

After three minutes, use your slotted spoon and immediately submerge the leeks into the ice water to halt the cooking process. 

Leeks can be added to ground meat recipes; meatloaf, meatballs, and meat pies. You can also add them to many potato dishes and veggie soups. 

Eat more leeks!