Leek

The Basics

Leeks are a member of the lily family and close relatives of the allium family which includes onions, shallots, and garlic. The leek has a wonderful onion flavor, but is much milder. The white stem is used as well as much of the green section. You can use leeks anywhere you would use onions.

Cooking Tips

A good tip for getting the dirt out of a leek is to slice the leek in half long-ways from the tops down to mid-leek where it’s free of grit. Then keep the root upright and run water through the separated leaves, rinsing the layers of leaf where dirt catches, until clean.

The delicate flavor of leeks is delicious in quiches and tarts.