Leeks are cousins of the much better known onions, but their flavor is sweeter, more delicate and more similar to that of garlic or chives. Regarded as onions for gourmets, due to their difficult availability and less common use, leeks can be cooked in several ways. Thanks to their generous content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they are a wise choice in a healthy diet. If you want to know how to cook leeks in multiple different ways, just follow the steps in this article.
Ingrediants
Stews
- 1 bunch of leeks
- 5 tablespoons of Chicken Broth
- 3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon of Lemon Juice
- Salt to taste.
- Pepper as needed.
Stir-fried
- 1 bunch of leeks
- 1 tablespoon of Butter
- 3 tablespoons of minced ginger
- 1/2 minced clove of garlic
Boiled
- 1 bunch of leeks
- 500 ml of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of Butter
- 1 tablespoon of freshly ground pink pepper
- Salt to taste.
- Pepper as needed.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Preparation
Step 1. Choose the freshest leeks available
When shopping at the market, the greengrocer or your local supermarket, choose firm leeks with intact leaves. The undersides should be a nice bright white color, while the leaves should be a uniform green and without spots, cuts or defects. Purchase the exact amount of leeks you intend to cook and do not refrigerate them for more than a few days.
- Choose leeks with a small or medium diameter, because those that are too large may be not very tender.
- Try to buy similarly sized leeks so you can cook them evenly.
Step 2. Cut the leeks
Cut off the root end and then cut off the top of the leaves, where the color turns a deep green.
Step 3. Rinse the leeks under running cold water
Wash them carefully to remove any traces of soil, or impurities, hidden among the leaves.
Method 2 of 5: Stews
Step 1. Heat 3 tablespoons of chicken broth in a skillet
Heat the broth for 1-2 minutes, until it boils.
Step 2. Pour about 450 g of chopped leeks into the pan and let them cook for about 4 minutes, then add another 2 tablespoons of broth
Let them simmer for another 3 minutes, turning them frequently to absorb the flavor of the broth.
Step 3. Drain the leeks from the excess broth then season them with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4. Serve
You can eat leeks as a side dish to a serving dish or add them to other vegetables, soup, stew, quiche or omelette. Alternatively, let them cool and then add them, after slicing them, to a salad.
Method 3 of 5: Stir-fried leeks
Step 1. Take a pan, put it on the stove and add a spoonful of butter
Heat it for about 30 seconds while you separate the different layers of the leeks to allow for easier cooking. Add 3 tablespoons of chopped ginger and half a clove of finely chopped garlic to the pan.
Step 2. Pour the leeks into the hot dressing
Sauté them in a pan, turning them frequently until golden and crunchy. Alternatively, cover them with a lid and let them cook until they have reached a nice golden color. For this preparation use only tender and thin leeks. If you prefer, add some garlic and ginger or add the leeks to your favorite sautéed vegetables.
Step 3. Serve
Enjoy them on their own or with a steak or a slice of toasted bread.
Method 4 of 5: Boiled
Step 1. Fill a saucepan with 500ml of water and then bring it to a boil
Step 2. Add 1 teaspoon of salt
In case you increase the doses of water, use the following proportion: 1 teaspoon of salt for every 500 ml of water.
Step 3. When the water boils, add the leeks and cover the pot with a lid
Lower the heat and let it simmer slowly until tender; check the cooking with a fork, it will take about 20 - 30 minutes. Once ready, remove them from the heat and drain them from the water.
Step 4. Serve
Serve the boiled leeks with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Also add 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pink pepper. You can eat them alone or accompany them with a slice of buttered bread.
Method 5 of 5: Incorporate Leeks into Other Recipes
Step 1. Make leek soup
Leeks, potatoes and chicken broth are the main ingredients of this savory soup.
Step 2. Make a healthy, vegan leek quiche
Use soy milk and brewer's yeast to replace the normal egg addition. Simply mix the leeks with a few other ingredients and lightly fry them to finish cooking them in the oven.
Step 3. Make a vegetarian leek sauté
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and add half a clove of finely chopped garlic after about a minute. Sauté the garlic for 2–3 minutes before adding diced turnips and carrots. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, then add the diced leeks. Cook the vegetables until tender, for about another 3-4 minutes, then season them to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
Step 4. Make a pasta sauce with leeks
In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 finely chopped garlic clove for 2 minutes, then add 4 diced tomatoes, 1 bunch of finely chopped leeks, half chopped red onion, 1 tablespoon of pepper, 1 tablespoon of salt and 120 ml of cooking cream. Continue cooking the ingredients for another 5-7 minutes, until the leeks and tomatoes are tender, and all the ingredients are mixed in the pan. Use this sauce to season a plate of wholemeal pasta, and top it with grated cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Step 5. Serve the leeks with fish or white meat
Boil, fry, or bake leeks and serve them with a portion of baked salmon, roast chicken, or grilled tuna. Pair the dish with mashed potatoes and enjoy a complete, healthy and delicious meal.
