How To Cook Leeks
It is not hard at all to learn how to cook leeks. Although more attention is paid to onions, which are in the same family, leeks have a character and taste all their own. Leeks go back in history to Ancient Egypt and were popular in Roman and Greek civilizations. Over the centuries, they seemed to go in and out of popularity, and at one time were known as the “poor man’s asparagus.” Leeks are the national emblem of Wales.
There are many different types of leeks and they grow well in just about any climate. Unlike onions, they cannot be eaten raw. It is important to choose leeks which look very fresh because they do not last more than a few days in the refrigerator. In fact, if possible, the best flavor is obtained by buying them the same day that you are going to use them. You can tell they are gone by when they start to shrivel.
Before using your leeks, it is very important that they be carefully washed. Dirt does not just cover the outer surface but embeds itself between layers. Before cooking, remove the green tops (leaves) and take off the first layer of white skin around the leek. Next, using a knife, make a cut right down the middle of the leek from one end to the other. Leeks are best washed directly under the faucet. Make sure to separate each layer so the grit can be rinsed out.
If you are going to slice the leek, you may do that, and then place the slices in a colander and rise them off. How to cook leeks depends on how you intend to serve them. If you intend to add them to a recipe, such as for the very popular leek soup or in a casserole, you can steam or boil them. Braised leeks are served in a cream sauce.
There are many ways you can combine leeks with other spices by gently frying them in butter or by adding leeks to a stir fry with other vegetables. You can cook leeks in the microwave by putting them in a microwave safe bowl with a very small amount of water. They should be cooked approximately five minutes or until tender.
Try not to overcook leeks because they will get quite tough and not be edible. They cannot be browned like onions. Buy leeks which are small because very large leeks often can get quite woody at the core. While large leeks are not particularly appetizing, every year there is a competition in England to see who can grow the largest leek.
Wild leeks are not at all like domesticated leeks. They are called ramps, and are smaller, more like a little onion. Ramps also have a stronger onion flavor and are usually cut into very thin slices. They can be eaten raw and are often used in salads. The best known wild leeks come from Canada.