How to Clean Leeks the Easy Way

Whether chopped in a steamy bowl of potato soup or sauteed in a stir-fry, leeks always make us happy. If you aren’t familiar with them, leeks belong to the onion family. They look a bit like an oversized scallion, with a white-green tubular base and broad, ribbon-like green leaves. They bring a delicately sweet flavor to foods, milder and more complex than a standard onion.

When eaten raw, leeks are crunchy and nutritious. Toss chopped leeks into salads or use to garnish a hearty main dish. Swap a leek for the onions in a soup or casserole recipe, and enjoy the more delicate flavor that results.

Test Kitchen Tips:

• Since the leaves are coarse in texture, many people stick to eating the softer pale part of the stalk. But the entire leek is edible. Simply saute the leaves for a while for a more tender bite.
• Leeks are available year-round. In the winter, sauteed leeks make a delicious side topped with an egg or a quick sauce.

How to Clean a Leek

Because leeks are grown underground, they accumulate sand and sediment in their layers. You’ll want to wash it out before sinking your teeth into this healthy veg. Luckily our test kitchen has the dirt on how to clean a leek!

Step 1: Remove the Ends

Cut off the root end and the tough green top using a sharp chef’s knife. If you’d like, reserve the root for making stock, and save the leaves for a saute.

Step 2: Slice in Half

You’ll have the narrow white stalk left. Slice it lengthwise down the middle to form two long skinny halves. This will expose all the layers in the middle of the leek.

Step 3: Soak and Rinse

Soak the stalks in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes or so, then rinse under cold running water in the sink. The long soak allows the water to penetrate the leek’s many layers, clearing out all the bits of debris.

Once your veg is all cleaned up and dirt-free it’s time to get cookin’. Try this Asparagus Leek Chowder or my favorite Herbed Leek Tart. You’ll find yourself coming up with tons of ways to sneak more leeks into your dishes.

Get inspired by these leek recipes!

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Cheesy Chicken and Leek Phyllo Pie

In our house, chicken potpie is a year-round staple. For a springtime feel, we use leeks and mushrooms and a lighter phyllo dough crust. If you don't have gruyere, try Parmesan. —Andrea Stewart, Toronto, Ontario

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Leek Soup with Brie Toasts

If you're looking for something special to fix on a holiday, look no further. This velvety soup is accented with tarragon, and the toasted bread topped with melted Brie cheese is the crowning touch.—Marie Hattrup, The Dalles, Oregon

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Leek Potato Pancakes

I received this recipe from my great-grandmother. She brought this over from England, where they enjoyed leeks immensely during the fall and winter. —Suzanne Kesel, Cohocton, New York

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Chicken & Vegetable Wild Rice Soup

This go-to weeknight recipe is one I tweaked over and over till it was just right. It has morphed from a labor-intensive wintry bowl to a steamy, comforting, slow-cooked favorite for our family. —Courtney Riggin, Hatchechubbee, Alabama

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Ham and Leek Pies

I've been making these pies for years, so lots of friends and family now have the recipe. If you can't find leeks, a sweet or mild onion works just as well. —Bonny Tillman, Acworth, Georgia

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Mushroom & Leek Strudel

This elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole-wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota

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Loaded Potato-Leek Soup

Growing up, my mother made potato and onion soup because it was affordable and fast. I’ve trimmed the calories, and it’s still a comforting family favorite. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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Herbed Leek Tart

This savory, non-traditional tart is a favorite among family and friends! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin

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Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup

A variety of winter vegetables gives the broth for this classic Jewish soup a deep flavor. You can use a few green onions instead of the leek. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Hash Brown Bake with Prosciutto & Leeks

Emperor Nero thought leeks would improve his singing voice. At our house, we believe they add fresh flavor to this easy hash brown bake with prosciutto. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

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Basil Vegetable Strata

I've been cooking this strata for years, and my family just can't get enough! The fresh basil gives this healthy brunch dish an added flavor boost. —Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin.

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Grilled Leek Dip

Smoky leeks from the grill add punch to this creamy appetizer with veggies and chips. If baby Vidalia onions are available, I use those. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, Georgia

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Autumn Bisque

I like cozy comfort soups that taste creamy—without the cream. This one’s full of good stuff like rutabagas, leeks, fresh herbs and almond milk. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

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Apple Salad with Tzatziki Dressing

My vegetarian friend inspired me to create this dish when she was longing for a great Gyro with lots of cucumber. I made this salad instead, with some pita bread for scooping, and it turned out to be a real treat.—Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

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Hearty Leek and Potato Soup

This thick, flavorful soup is a winner in our home and makes a nice starter dish. —Rachel Taylor, Springfield, Tennessee

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Mushroom & Leek Pie

In the Pacific Northwest, we make a savory pie with mushrooms and leeks. We prefer chanterelle, but baby portobello or oyster mushrooms will also delight your diners. —Vickie Woods, Salem, Oregon

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New Year's Oyster Stew

My husband is a former member of the Air Force's Thunderbird team, and I developed this recipe after he invited the whole team to our house on short notice for an informal dinner. It was very easy-it was done in 45 minutes, and it turned out to be the best oyster stew I'd ever made! —Christa Scott, Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Vegetable Stuffed Flank Steak

This colorful beef dish was always a favorite request for birthday dinners while i was growing up. Savory, special and stuffed full of vegetables, it's as tender as the memories it still brings back every time I make it. -Julie Etzel Tualatin, Oregon

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Four-Onion Soup

This mellow, rich-tasting onion soup is such a main-stay for our family that I felt compelled to share the recipe. Topped with toasted French bread and melted cheese, it's special to serve. -Margaret Adams, Pacific Grove, California

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New England Lamb Bake

This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine

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