How to Cook Leeks: Sauteed Leeks and Celery on www.virginiawillis.com

How to Cook Leeks: Sautéed Leeks and Celery

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How to Cook Leeks on www.virginiawillis.com

Yikes! Take a look at that muddy mess of leeks! Soil or grit in food is the culinary equivalent to nails scratching a chalkboard. Yet buried beneath that dirt and soil are real kitchen treasures. Leeks are used as a base for soups, stews, stocks, and sauces. They can be poached, chilled, and served as a sophisticated salad or sautéed and served as a warm vegetable. Leeks are a great addition to your kitchen repertoire as we transition from winter to spring. This week, I’ve paired them with celery for a delicious, yet decidedly simple and inexpensive side dish, Sautéed Leeks and Celery.

How to Clean Leeks

How to cook leeks? Well, the first question has to be “how to clean leeks?” It’s not as simple as running them under cold water — the soil may be between the layers. And, simply placing them in a colander won’t work either. All that does is move the dirt around. Sounds like leeks are a lot of trouble? Well, check out this easy way to clean leeks. You’ll never cringe at a bite of gritty leeks again.

How to Cook Leeks on www.virginiawillis.com

Trim away the dark green tops and root bottoms.

How to Cook Leeks on www.virginiawillis.com

Slice the leek lengthwise, then into half moons.

(The trimmed portion can also be sliced lengthwise into julienne for similar results.)

How to Cook Leeks on www.virginiawillis.com

Place the half moons in a bowl of cold water and swish them around so the dirt falls to the bottom.

How to Cook Leeks on www.virginiawillis.com

Lift the half moons from the water, leaving the grit behind. Repeat until the water is completely clear. (BTW, this technique of submerging in water is the same way I recommend to clean dirt from salad greens, winter greens, and herbs, as well.)

All in the Allium Family

You may have seen leeks before in the produce department and haven’t been quite certain what to do with them. Leeks are a member of the onion family and are related to shallots, garlic, chives, and scallions. They are very harsh and tough when raw. When cooked they are much sweeter with a more delicate flavor, and can be used in nearly any dish that you would use an onion. Look for leeks with fresh bright dark green tops and glossy white ends with small roots. Store them unwashed in the refrigerator. When time to cook, simply peel away the tougher outside layer, just like with an onion or scallion. They are absolutely beautiful when cooked, varying from the palest green to ivory-white. And, they literally seem to melt away, becoming smooth and creamy.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy this week’s simple, flavorful recipe for Sautéed Leeks and Celery. If you give it a try, let me know what you think and please make sure to tag me on Instagram @virginiawillis.

Bon Appétit Y’all! 
Virginia

How to Cook Leeks on www.virginiawillis.com
Sautéed Leeks and Celery
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Sautéed Leeks and Celery

Leeks are often unassuming. They often tend to anchor a dish, providing flavor and depth, but rarely star. This recipe for Sautéed Leeks and Celery lets the leek take center stage and allows the flavor of the leeks to shine through. This dish would be wonderful with broiled fish, seafood, and simple roasted chicken.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish, vegetable
Cuisine: French, healthy
Keyword: leeks
Servings: 4
Calories:

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, more if needed
  • 8 leeks, cut into half moons, cleaned, and drained
  • 1 clove garlic, very finely chopped
  • 8 stalks celery, ends trimmed and sliced
  • 1/2 cup homemade chicken stock or reduced fat low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf, preferably fresh
  • Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper

Instructions

  • Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Add the leeks and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the white part of the leek starts to become translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 45 to 60 seconds.
  • Add the celery, chicken stock and fresh bay leaf; stir to combine. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook until the leeks and celery are tender, about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in additional butter, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 0 | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0mg | Potassium: 0mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 0mg | Iron: 0mg

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photographs by Virginia Willis

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

Virginia Willis

Georgia-born French-trained chef Virginia Willis has foraged for berries in the Alaskan wilderness, harvested capers in the shadow of a smoldering volcano in Sicily, and executed the food styling for a Super Bowl commercial seen by over 160 million people. Virginia is a Beard award-winning cookbook author, chef, content creator, and motivational speaker. She has lost 65# and kept it off for more than 3 years. Because of her own health journey, she is a cheerleader for others seeking to make lifestyle changes to feel healthier and happier. Her experience inspired her to launch “Good and Good for You” a lifestyle brand rooted in culinary that shares health and wellness content through digital channels; public speaking; and print media. Fans love her approachable spirit and friendly down-to-earth style. For more information visit virginiawillis.com

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