Leeks

Leeks

Leeks is a kind of vegetables which belongs to the same family as onion and garlic. The edible portion of leeks are the white onion base and light green stalk. Leeks have mild onion-like taste, and the taste can be described as the mix of mild onion and cucumber.

When buying leeks in the market, remember to look for those with green leaves and firm white onion base. Do not buy leeks which look a bit dried out unless you will use it immediately as leeks cannot be stored for long even in the refrigerator.

Before cooking leeks, it is important to wash it thoroughly as earth and grit lodges itself between the white sections at the base. To prepare leeks, cut away the leaves and trim the onion base. You will need to remove the first layer of white as well unless the leeks are very fresh. Then, cut a slit from one end to the other through the center of the leeks, and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Pull the sections apart so that the water rinses out any stubborn pieces of earth.

Leeks can be boiled to turn it soft and mild in taste, or fried to have crunchy feel and to preserve the taste. Leeks can be eaten raw as well as salads, and it tastes especially well when it is prime ingredient. Leeks are used for soup as well such as traditional Welsh Cawl. When stir fry leeks, it is recommended to add in little garlic and ginger.

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