How to Clean Leeks
Leek is a vegetable in the same family as onions and garlic. Its edible part is a bundle of leaf sheaths which is sometimes wrongly referred to as its stem or stalk. It has a mild onion taste and can be used in a variety of ways. It is great in soups. Leeks however have a lot of dirt between their sheaths which have to be cleaned properly before use. Below is how to properly clean leeks.
PROCEDURE:
(1) On a chopping board, chop off the darker fanned out leaves of the leek. This part of the leek is very fibrous and tough. This can be thrown away or saved for your homemade broth.
(2) Next, chop off the root end of the leek and divide the leek lengthwise. Remove the outer leaf covering the leaf sheath. You should be able to see some of the hidden dirt already.
(3) Next using a sharp knife, chop the leek.
(4) Next, Place the chopped leeks in a large bowl and fill the bowl with water. Swish the leek gently to release any trapped in dirt. The grit and dirt will fall to the base of the bowl.
(5) Scoop out the leeks from the top of the water and transfer them to a sieve to drain.
Your leek is now ready to be used.
Terry Adido is passionate about showing people how easy it is to recreate restaurant quality meals in the comfort of their kitchens. With a style of cooking he refers to as Afro-European Fusion, his meals are influenced greatly by French and Italian Cuisine with a West African twist. If you love good food, you are in for the ride of your life.
Terry, if I may ask, what are the use for leek?
It is used the same way you will use onions. It can also be used in soups, stews and portages.
Wow! Thanks a lot Terry