How To Clean Leeks

Leeks are tasty but you need to learn how to clean them properly because they can be rather dirty since they grow in sandy soil. Learn all about: what do leeks taste like, what are leeks, how to clean leeks, how to store leeks, and recipes that use leeks!

What are Leeks?

I love substituting leeks for onions in certain recipes. If you haven’t ever tasted a leek before, they are related to the onion and garlic. Leeks look like giant green onions and have a mild onion flavor.

Rather than forming a bulb, like an onion, the leek resembles a stalk or stem. They are composed of many delicate layers that are often full of dirt and sand, so you have to clean them before use.

You’ll also discard much of the leek because you only use the white and pale green portion of the stalk. The dark green part is tough, woody and often bitter and is better suited to your compost bin.

How to Select the Best Leeks

When purchasing leeks, look for leeks that have a white stem and are crisp. Leeks that have withered tops, yellowing, or discolored leaves are less fresh and not ideal for using. Pass on any leeks that have mushy areas or look overly mangled.

Medium sized leeks are best rather than larger leeks which do not have as much flavor. Larger leeks may also require more chopping for use in recipes.

How to Clean Leeks

1. Using a knife, remove the roots portion off the bottom of the leek just above the base and discard.
2. Then, cut the dark green, woody part of the stalk off and discard. You’ll only use the white and pale green portions of the leek.
3. Next, if your leeks are particularly large you may want to slice the white and pale green reserved portion in half lengthwise.
4. Chop or slice the leek halves as directed in your recipe instructions. Place all the sliced leeks in a medium-large bowl, one with enough room to add water.
5. Fill the bowl with water and submerge the leeks. Swish the leeks with your hand to help remove any sand or dirt embedded in the layers.
6. Drain the leeks and water into a colander. Give the leeks a quick rinse with cold water, swishing again with your hand. Remove from the bowl and pat dry.
7. Proceed according to your recipe instructions using the cleaned leeks.

How to Store Cleaned Leeks

If you prefer to clean your leeks ahead of time rather than the day you need to use them you can definitely do that. Here are my suggestions for storing cleaned leeks:

1. Complete the cleaning instructions contained in this post.
2. Make sure the leeks are dried well after their final rinse.
3. Then, place the clean leeks in a zip top bag or an air tight storage container.
4. You can also include a sheet of paper towel folded in half to fit in the storage container to absorb any excess moisture that might be remaining.

What to Make with Leeks

Looking for some great recipes to make with leeks now that you know everything there is to know about cleaning them? Here are some of my favorite leek recipes:

• Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
• Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes)
• Quiche Lorraine
• Bacon and Leek Stuffing
• Creamy Leek and Potato Soup
• Lemon Asparagus Risotto
• Roasted Mushroom Risotto

Get More Recipes via Email

Did you love this recipe? Sign up to receive Good Life Eats Email Updates and never miss another recipe!

Who doesn’t love a good kitchen tip? Looking for more kitchen tutorials? Check out the entire Kitchen Tips and Tricks archive for lots of great ideas!