When is leek season

Leeks will keep in the fridge or another cool, dark place for about four days. To prepare, remove any tired outer leaves and trim off about two-thirds of the remaining green matter and the roots. Split the leek lengthways starting a couple of inches from the root end, rotate 90 degrees and split again allowing the leaves to be splayed out and any soil between the layers to be rinsed out.

The white part is that most often called for in recipes, but don't discard the green bits - use them in stock. With potato in soups like vichyssoise and cock-a-leekie, as a side dish with fish, and in stews.

Yotam Ottolenghi's fried rice cakes with creamed leeks and egg. Allegra McEvedy's gammon, leek and barley hotpot. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's leek terrine. Yotam Ottolenghi's pea and leak soup with basil oil.

Leeks are often filled with dirt and sand, so cleaning them is an important part of the cutting process. Rinse them under cool running water, tossing them to remove any dirt or debris.

When the chopped leeks are clean, use a paper towel or kitchen towel to blot them dry before you start to cook. Now you know how to cut leeks, but what about how to cook them?

They add delectable flavor to homemade vegetable stock. Need some ideas? Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:.

Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. Thank-you this was super helpful and easy instructions on cooking leeks! Thanks val. Buy now. Take action Why take action? Support us Donate Careers Commercial opportunities Leave a legacy. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work Join now. Hot links Browse inspiration articles Buy plants online.

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Take part in our research. Buy more than needed around double by weight to allow for losses due to trimming. STORING Stored loosely wrapped in plastic to keep them from drying out and to contain their smell they will keep in the fridge for a week. Trim the rootlets at the base and cut off around a half to two thirds of the dark green tops. Partially cut the leeks in half lengthwise, starting at the middle and running the knife up to the green tops.

Make a second lengthwise cut perpendicular to the first, allowing you to fan out the leaves. Give them a good rinse to remove the dirt that can get trapped inside as the leek grows.