Really Dumb Leek Question

[Kristilyn1]

Ok, I use leeks in recipes without really understanding what the heck I'm doing. What part of the leek do you use???? The green tops or the white bottoms? Both? If so, which part is "better"?

I would appreciate some guidance here....

Kristi

[Gail]

No, no, no. You don't even come close to dumb. A really dumb leek question would be, "Do I eat the roots?" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

As for my answer, generally you eat the white (bulb) portion. And wash the heck out of the thing because they tend to be muddy. Check Epicurious's dictionary for more information on leeks.

[Vanessa]

You must wash this carefully. I believe C Light had step by step instructions in one issue. What part to use...It depends on the recipe.I make a chowder in which I use both the light green part and the white of the leek. Leeks have a unique flavor and they are just great on soups. Used in butternut squash soups, chowders,tarts, they can be used in omelette fillings and quiche and they can be boiled, braised and steamed

[This message has been edited by Vanessa (edited 07-17-2000).]

[Deanna]

I use all the white and an inch or two of the green part...just the very tender part of the leaves.

I LOVE leek and potato soup. The Victory Garden Cookbook has one that is so delish!

[Kristilyn1]

Thank you--apparently I was using correctly but wondered if maybe I was wrong as the supermarket sells them with so much green.....

Kristi

[lindrusso]

Since leeks are so hard to clean, I often chop first and then rinse. This seems to get more dirt off than washing first.

[JennyLiz]

What a good resource you all are! KristiLyn, I'm glad you asked the question! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by JennyLiz (edited 07-17-2000).]

[laden]

I'm so glad someone asked that question! Just two weeks ago I purchased leeks for a recipe and had no idea how much of the green to use or not use!

[shoyski]

For a different twist on leeks, try the Leeks Cordon Bleu, featured from May of 1999, or page 135 in the 2000 book.
Pretty good and not heavy at all.