Leeks are a perfect way to add a little subtle onion flavor to your favorite dishes—and they’re featured in everything from soups and quiches to pasta and risotto.
If you’re new to using leeks, here’s a primer on what they are—and how to use them in your cooking.
What Is a Leek?
Leeks are related to scallions, onions, shallots, garlic, chives, ramps, and more. They have all have a distinctive flavor and smell, but they have different flavor profiles.
Leeks tend to have the mildest flavor of the onion family—so it’s perfect for using in more subtly flavored dishes, or swapping out in lieu of onions for people who aren’t a big fan of onion flavors.
Leeks are a favorite in French cuisine, where they’re used in vichyssoise, quiche, vinaigrette, or even just served sauteed or braised.
Leeks are a great source of antioxidants like vitamin A and C.
How to Clean and Prepare Leeks
Leeks are noted for being a little sandy and gritty, as the sand it grows in can get caught into the layers of the vegetable. But with a little effort, you can easily get your leeks sand free and ready to cook. Just follow the steps below for grit-free leeks.
Trim off the roots
That makes it easier for the sand and dirt to wash away as you clean your leeks.
Chop off the green part of the leeks
Most recipes call for the whites, so you can chop off the green parts. (If you want to make stock, you can save the greens to put into your stock pot.)
Slice the leek
Cut the leek into large chunks, and slice in half lengthwise. That’ll allow the water to reach into the layers and clean the leek.
Soak the leek in water
Put the leeks into cool water, and check for sand and dirt.
Rinse the leeks
Once you think the leeks are clean, give them one last rinse in fresh water to ensure that all the sand is gone.
Chop as required for the recipe
Slice the leeks into smaller pieces to suit the recipe.
Creative Leek Recipes to Try
Leeks are more than just a welcome addition to soups and pastas. Try these fresh recipes to use up the leeks.
Shrimp and Spinach Pasta With Leeks
The subtle sweetness of leeks pair beautifully with shrimp in this creamy pasta dish. Lemon zest helps brighten the recipe.
Fennel, Leek, and Wild Mushroom Gratin
Victor Protasio
This rich side dish features layers of fennel, leeks, and mushrooms. Heavy cream and Gruyere cheese give it added richness.
Lemon-Coriander Roasted Chicken WIth Leeks and Squash
While most leek recipes tend to be mild in flavor, lemon and coriander add a little extra kick to this easy dish.
Creamy Sweet Potato and Leek Soup
Greg Dupree
Potato and leek soup is a classic leek recipe, but using sweet potatoes instead gives it a richer, sweeter flavor. Top it with bacon for a smoky addition.
Pan-Seared Scallops With Melted Leeks
Leeks take a starting role in this easy weeknight meal, as a perfect counterpoint to sweet scallops.
Ham and Leek Quiche
Quiche are a perfect any-time dish, for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Salty ham perfectly balances the leeks.
Potato, Leek, and Feta Tart
This freeform tart features a slew of veggies and plenty of flavorful feta and dill.
Hake With Bacon-Roasted Leeks and Mushrooms
This sophisticated, dinner party-worthy dish requires just 20 minutes of prep time.
Roasted Chicken, Apples, and Leeks
Roasted apples add sweetness to this simple leek recipe—and comes together with just 10 minutes of prep.
Fettuccine With Asparagus, Leeks, and Mint
Leeks are in peak season in the spring. This easy pasta dish combines a slew of spring veggies—asparagus, leeks and mint.
Corn, Leek, and Bacon Pancakes
Victor Protasio
Savory pancakes are lovely for brunch—or as a nice side dish for dinner. Cornmeal and corn kernels are mixed with leeks, bacon, and buttermilk—and a little maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness.