How to Cut and Clean leeks
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Leeks are a flavorful and versatile ingredient, but their unique structure means they often come packed with dirt and grit. Don’t let that stop you! This guide will walk you through the easiest and most effective ways to cut and clean leeks so they’re ready for your favorite recipes.
Leeks are a fantastic ingredient for adding a mild onion-like flavor to your dishes, but they can be intimidating to prepare.
Leeks grow in sandy soil, which means they often trap grit between their layers. In this guide, I’ll show you a foolproof way to cut and clean leeks so they’re ready to elevate your soups, salads, or stir-fries.
You can cut the leeks into rings or half moons using this method. You can also cut them lengthwise for use in upside down tarts or braising.
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Cutting and Cleaning Leeks
A sharp knife helps to easily cut the leeks without crushing them and I prefer to use a wooden cutting board. To wash them, I like to use my salad spinner. You can use a large bowl and colander instead.
How to Cut Leeks Step by Step
- Trim off the top dark green parts which is thick and tough and not very nice to eat.
- Turn them around and cut off the root end.
- Slice the leeks in half the long way.
- Turn the leeks over onto their flat sides and slice them into thin half moons.
- Add the leeks to the salad spinner.
- Add water to the salad spinner and swish and scrunch the leeks to clean them.
- Drain the water.
- Spin the salad spinner and then drain the extra water.
Now your leeks are ready to use in your recipe!
How to Store cleaned leeks
How to Use Leeks
Once leeks are cut and cleaned you can use them in many different recipes from simple buttered leeks, a leek tart, soups, pasta, or bowls.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, leeks need to be washed before using or eating them. Leeks grow in sandy soil, which means they often trap grit between their layers.
How to Cut Leeks
Ingredients
- 1 large leek
Instructions
- Place the leek on a cutting board and cut off the dark green part.
- Cut the root end off.
- Slice the leek in half the long way.
- Flip the leeks onto their flat sides and cut thin half moons.
- Add the leeks to a salad spinner and add water.
- Agitate and gently squish the leeks to separate the layers and allow the dirt to be released.
- Drain the water. Spin the salad spinner. Drain the water.
- The leeks are ready to use or to be stored.
Video
Notes
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