Leeks are cousins of the famous shallots, but the taste of leeks is sweeter, milder, and reminiscent of garlic or scallions. Leeks are delicious no matter how you cook them, and are often considered gourmet onions because they are less commonly used and harder to find than onions. Leeks contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, so they can be used as a good food addition to a healthy diet. If you want to know how to cook leeks in a variety of ways, follow these steps.
Ingredients
Boiled Leeks (Poached)
- 1 bunch of leeks
- 5 tbsp chicken stock, separated
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp orange juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Fried Shallots
- 1 bunch of leeks
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp chopped ginger
- 1/2 clove minced garlic
Boiled Leeks (Boiled)
- 1 bunch of leeks
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp crushed red bell pepper
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Step
Method 1 of 5: Prepare the Leeks
Step 1. Choose fresh leeks
When you're shopping at a local market or supermarket, you should look for leeks that are firm, white, and flawless, with an even green shoot, without bruising or staining. Purchase leeks as needed, as leeks can only last in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Leeks will be more tender if they are 3.8 cm or less in diameter, and larger leeks tend to be tough.
- Choose leeks that are the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2. Cut the leeks
To chop leeks, cut the roots that are at the bottom of the leeks and remove the tops of the leaves, namely the white part of the leek that is starting to turn green.
Step 3. Rinse the leeks thoroughly under cold running water
Separate the leeks when you rinse them to remove any dirt trapped in the leeks.
Method 2 of 5: Poached Leeks
Step 1. Heat 3 tbsp of chicken stock in a frying pan
Heat the broth for 1-2 minutes until it is steaming.
Step 2. Add 500g of chopped leek to the hot broth and simmer for 4 minutes
After 4 minutes, add another 2 tablespoons of chicken stock. Then, cook the leeks for 3 minutes, stirring constantly so that the flavor of the broth is absorbed into the leeks.
Step 3. Discard the remaining stock and toss the leeks with the olive oil and lime juice
Once the broth is removed, toss the leeks with 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Season the onions with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4. Serve
You can eat these delicious boiled leeks on their own, or add them to soups, stews, quiches, omelets, or scalloped potatoes. Leeks can also be refrigerated and then chopped again and added to salads.
Method 3 of 5: Fried Leeks
Step 1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a frying pan
This will take about 30 seconds. When you heat the oil, you can separate the leaves from the leeks so they will be easier to cook. Add 3 tablespoons chopped ginger and 1/2 clove of chopped garlic to the oil.
Step 2. Put the chopped leeks in hot oil and fry
Fry the leeks, stirring constantly until they become crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, cover the pan with a pan and the leeks will be cooked but not browned. Use small leeks for frying, because frying can make large leeks become tough. Leeks can also be sauteed with ginger and garlic, or combined with your favorite stir fry recipe.
Step 3. Serve
Enjoy fried leeks on their own or serve as a garnish on soup or garlic bread, or over steaks.
Method 4 of 5: Boiled Cabbage
Step 1. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan
Pour 2 cups of water into the pot.
Step 2. Add salt
Add 1 tsp salt to the pan. If you use a lot of water, just add 1 tsp of salt for every 2 cups of water.
Step 3. Put the leeks in the water and simmer for 20-30 minutes
Cook over medium-low heat until the leeks are tender if you poke them with a fork. Then, turn off the water and discard the remaining water.
Step 4. Serve the leeks
Serve the boiled leeks with 2 tbsp melted butter and season with salt and black pepper to taste plus 1 tbsp ground red bell pepper. You can enjoy it alone or eat it with a piece of buttered bread.
Method 5 of 5: Combining leeks with Other Recipes
Step 1. Make the potato leek soup
The main ingredients in this delicious soup are leeks, potatoes and chicken stock.
Step 2. Make the vegan leek quiche
Use soy milk and Brewer's yeast to replace the traditional use of eggs in this healthy vegan dish. Mix the leeks with the other ingredients, sauté briefly, then roast in the oven.
Step 3. Make sautéed leeks
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan and add 1/2 clove of minced garlic a minute later. Let the garlic cook for 2-3 minutes then add 1 bunch of diced carrots and 1 bunch of diced radishes to it. Cook for 3-4 minutes then add 1 bunch of diced leeks to the mixture. Cook the vegetables until tender, for 3-4 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Step 4. Make the pasta sauce with the leeks
Heat 4 tablespoons butter and 1 clove of minced garlic in a large skillet for 2 minutes then add 4 diced tomatoes, 1 bunch leek, diced into small pieces, 1/2 red onion diced, 1 tablespoon pepper, 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 cup heavy cream into a saucepan. Continue to cook the ingredients for 5-7 minutes, until the leeks and tomatoes are soft and all the ingredients are combined. Pour the pasta sauce over the whole grain pasta and top with 1/2 cup Jack cheese and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
Step 5. Serve the leeks with fish or poultry
Boil, or fry leeks and serve with grilled salmon, grilled chicken or tuna steaks. Add mashed potatoes to this complete, healthy, and delicious meal combination.
