Leeks are woody vegetables that have a mild onion-like taste. This vegetable can be eaten raw, added to soups, and included in vegetarian and meat dishes. Leeks may seem difficult to cut because of the tough leaves, but with a sharp knife and the right technique, you can handle them as easily as any other vegetable. You can even cut them into uniform julienne shapes (thin lengths like matchsticks). Don't forget to wash them thoroughly before you put them in the dish!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Chopping Leeks Into Simple Slices
Step 1. Remove the roots and leaves
Place the leeks on the cutting board lengthwise, then cut off the root fibers with a sharp knife. After that, cut the ends of the leaves on the leek stems. You'll get a white or yellow center of a leek, and a pale green at the end where you cut the leaves.
The leeks are so tough that you can throw them away after you cut them, unless you want to boil them in broth
Step 2. Cut the leek stalks into two lengthwise halves
Insert the tip of a knife into the top of the leek stem. Next, slice the stem downward in the middle so that the leek splits in half. You'll get two barrel-shaped leek slices cut in half.
Step 3. Slice another half of the leek into two halves
Place the two leek halves flat on the bottom. Slice a knife down the center of the leek lengthwise. Doing so will give you a quarter of the leek.
Skip this step if you want to cut the leek into half-moon shapes. To cut it in half moons, slice the leek into strips that are about 3 mm (or smaller, if desired.)
Step 4. Chop a quarter of the leek into small pieces
Make short slices about 3 to 6 mm across the width of the stem, depending on how finely you want the leek to be sliced. Work from the bottom up, stopping where the stem is starting to turn pale green if desired.
The pale green stem (the part near the leaf you cut off) can be used or discarded, depending on the recipe you prefer
Step 5. Separate the chopped leeks with your fingers
Separate the chopped leeks using your fingers. You can also separate them by placing the leeks in a colander and stirring them a little.
Step 6. Clean the chopped leeks
If the leeks look dirty, you may need to soak them in a bowl or sink filled with clean water. Soak the leeks for 10 to 15 minutes. Dirt will settle to the bottom of the sink or bowl.
- After soaking, rinse the leek slices and let them dry on their own or pat them dry with a paper towel.
- When clean, these leeks will have a sliced shape that is perfect for sauteing, boiling, frying, and using for other things.
Method 2 of 2: Chopping Leeks in Julienne Shapes
Step 1. Cut the leek root with a sharp knife
You should also cut off the part of the leaf that is at the tip of the leek that is white or pale yellow in color, and is starting to turn green.
If the leaves are to be used to flavor soups and roasts, store them in a plastic clip bag and place them in the freezer for later use, rather than throwing them away
Step 2. Cut the leek into two equal lengths
Technically, a julienne slice is about 8 cm. The average leek stalk measures 13 to 15 cm, so you can make julienne slices more easily by cutting the leek in half.
It doesn't matter if the julienne piece is more than 8 cm. Just follow the recipe or your creativity to cut the julienne slices according to the desired dish
Step 3. Prepare an 8 cm piece of leek, then slice it into two lengthwise halves
Start by driving a knife into the leek stem. Cut the leek stalk lengthwise until it splits into two halves.
Step 4. Place the leeks on the cutting board with the flat side facing down
The rounded side should be on top. This is to prevent the leeks from slipping as you cut them. However, if you have experience with a sharp knife, you can place any side of the leek on the bottom.
Step 5. Cut the leeks into thin, long slices
Start by placing the knife on the elongated edge of the leek. Carefully slice the leeks lengthwise about 3 mm (or more, as desired). Continue making long slices of the leek, from one long end to the other.
Step 6. Separate the leek slices as needed
The leek slices may come off on their own without you having to take them apart. However, if some of the slices are still attached, gently stir with your fingers to separate them.
Step 7. Clean your leek julienne slices
If there's still dirt after you've sliced the leeks, you may need to soak them in a sink or bowl filled with water. Soak the leeks for 10 to 15 minutes. Dirt will settle to the bottom of the sink or bowl.
- After soaking, rinse the leek slices and let them dry on their own or pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Now you have your leek thinly sliced and ready to cook. You can fry them to garnish on meat or other dishes, or mix them with other vegetables that are also cut into julienne shapes.
Warning
- To prevent damage to the countertop, use a non-slip cutting board.
- Although it's not necessary (if you're an experienced cook), you can wear iris-resistant gloves to prevent injury.
