Leeks are delicious root vegetables that belong to the same family as onions and garlic. You can make use of them as the principal ingredient in many vegetarian recipes, but they also make a fine accompaniment alongside meat and fish dishes. If you want to learn how to cook leeks well, then everything you need to know is included in this handy guide.
How to cook leeks
There are plenty of different methods for cooking leeks. Each has its pros and cons, and most home cooks find a method that they prefer. Bear in mind that the following methods are for standard-sized leeks, but you can easily adapt them for baby leeks, if you have them, by simply chopping them into similarly sized sections. Generally speaking, a baby leek chopped into four sections is about right for any of the following cooking techniques.
How to cook leeks in a pan
There are two main ways to cook leeks in a pan. Either way, you'll need to prepare the leeks beforehand.
- Place each leek onto a chopping board and remove the bottom-most section so that only the stalk remains.
- Next, remove the very tops of the green stems, paying particular attention to getting rid of any leaves that have begun to turn yellow.
- Now, cut the leek into rings about half a centimetre in width.
- Run the ring sections under the tap or allow them to soak in clean water to help remove any trapped grime.
- The leeks are now ready to cook.
To sauté—or shallow fry—leeks, begin by allowing the leek rings to dry, ensuring they don't sizzle too much in the pan. Next, heat a frying pan on the hob and add cooking oil or a knob of butter, plus some salt and pepper for seasoning. Add the rings to the oil once it's hot, and gently stir them around until they begin to soften and go brown. Alternatively, put a saucepan of water on to boil and put the leek rings directly into the water, taking care not to generate splashes. Drain and then serve after simmering them for eight minutes.
For a simple yet indulgent dish, try creamy leek fusilli, which pairs tender leeks with a rich and creamy sauce.
How to cook leeks in the oven
You can cook leeks in the oven by roasting them. The preparation method for roasting is much the same as cooking in a pan. However, it is sometimes better to cut leeks into larger chunks if you are planning on roasting them, which will help prevent them from overcooking. Either cut them into batons, lengthways or double the width of the rings, and then chop them in half to form half-moon shapes. Drizzle the soaked and dried leeks in cooking oil on a roasting tin and put them into a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes.
For a comforting meal, one-pot creamy bacon, mushroom & leek penne is a great way to bring out the best in roasted or sautéed leeks.
How to cook leeks in an air fryer
As before, prepare the leeks by removing the sections you don't want, washing them and then patting them dry or allowing them to aerate fully. Put the chopped leeks into the air fryer tray, drizzle them with a little olive oil, and season to taste. The addition of a pinch of thyme is particularly flavoursome when air frying. Next, simply place the tray into the air fryer at 200°C for 6 minutes. Check if they're cooked, and air fry them for another minute if needed.
Enjoy leeks as a side dish
A native of the British Isles, leeks are a staple of traditional cuisine and remain popular in New Zealand. They can be used in various meal kits for quick and easy meal prep. You can easily make a side dish from leeks by combining them with onions and tomatoes to make a ratatouille. There again, leeks combine well with cheese sauces, ideal for a side-dish alternative to cauliflower cheese, for example.
For a delicious main, consider garlic-herb pork & creamy leek-peppercorn sauce, where the leeks add a creamy, savoury depth to the dish.
Best Leek Recipes
If you want to get the hang of cooking leeks at home, then follow a tried-and-tested recipe from HelloFresh. For instance, this leek recipe collection offers a range of ideas from pasta to soups. Additionally, for a delicious meal to share, explore family dinner options that feature leeks as a key ingredient.
How to cook leeks FAQs
What is the best way to prepare a leek?
Cut the very bottom section off the leek so that no roots are attached. Remove the uppermost parts of their green stems, and then soak the leeks in clean water to help remove dirt that may be trapped inside. Next, cut them into sections, either batons or rings.
What part of a leek do you eat?
You can eat all parts of a leek except for its very bottom section, where the remnants of its roots can be seen. Just cut this bit off and discard it. The tops of the green leaves need more cooking to tenderise, so most people also discard these parts, but this isn't necessary.
Should you boil leeks?
Yes, you should if you like them this way. You can also steam or braise them. Leeks are a very versatile vegetable, especially in terms of how you can prepare them.
Why don't you eat the green part of leeks?
Some people throw away the tops of leeks, where they are at their darkest green. This is because the tops can be a little more bitter than the mid-green section and certainly the white parts. They're good for making stock or soup, though, so they do not need to be discarded.
How long do leeks take to cook?
If you chop leeks and sauté them, then they'll be ready in about six minutes. Boiling them takes around eight minutes. Grilling takes ten minutes, whereas roasting them in the oven should allow for at least 20 minutes.