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Get the Recipe How to Cut and Cook Leeks

Leeks are a wonderful and versatile allium vegetable with a sweet, delicate, mild onion flavor. They are a savory addition to many recipes, adding a wonderful depth of flavor! Read on to learn all about them, especially the most asked questions: how to cut and clean leeks, as well as some of our favorite leek recipes!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
9 mins
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 54 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 medium leeks approximately 1 pound
  • salt and pepper as needed
  • olive oil as needed

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Trim off the stringy root end of the leek, and the dark green top (starting where the light greens turns to dark green). The top is generally too tough to enjoy; reserve the top for homemade stock (you can freeze it).
  2. Cut the white and light green part of the leek in half lengthwise and lay the flat side down on the cutting board. Cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch half slices. Clean properly by placing cut pieces in a bowl of water and swoosh them around to remove any dirt and sand. Drain and rinse.
  3. Alternatively, run water through the layers of the leek once you've cut it in half lengthwise, then continue cutting the leek as the recipe calls for.
  4. To Saute: heat olive oil or butter in a skillet, then add the sliced leeks (light and white parts) with a generous pinch of salt and pepper and continue cooking until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. To Roast: similar to roasting root vegetables, cut them into larger 2-inch chunk pieces, toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for about 20-25 minutes at 450F until tender, or keep cut in half lengthwise and roast for the full 40 minutes with the rest of the veggies.
  6. To Grill: keep the leek intact after cutting in half lengthwise, and dry well after cleaning. Brush with olive oil and place on cleaned grill grates, cooking until grill marks appear and they are tender; usually about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat. Serve as a veggie side.

Nutrition Information

Calories 54kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Sodium 18mg (1%) Potassium 160mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1484IU (30%) Vitamin C 11mg (12%) Calcium 53mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 54

% Daily Value*

Calories 54kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 18mg 1%
Potassium 160mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1484IU 30%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 53mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.