Tips on Cooking with Leeks

Leeks look like giant scallions. They are a part of the onion family, but sweeter. The bulbs are white on the bottom and light green at the top. This is the edible part usually used for cooking.

The leek then elongates, branching out into thick dark green leaves. Some people discard these leaves, but this is a waste. It is best to save them, either in the freezer or fridge, and add them to a vegetable stock. Leeks must be thoroughly washed because they are sandy. Try these simple recipes at home to get your feet wet!

Pasta with leeks is a delicious treat. You will need one pound of cooked penne (preferably whole wheat), two bunches of leeks (one bunch usually comes with three medium sized bulbs), twelve garlic cloves, one large onion, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and olive oil. Chop the leeks, garlic and onions and saute in oil with salt and pepper for 10-15 minutes over medium heat. Then toss with the cooked penne. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese to taste.

The following recipe is from a cookbook called, "For the Love of Cooking," by Rae Dayan. It is a Syrian version of the Italian Frittata. You will need four eggs, one bunch of leeks (white and light green parts only, chopped), 1/3 of a cup of matzo meal (you'll find this in the supermarket's kosher aisle), salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Heat some oil in a pan.

When the oil gets hot, pour in the batter and flatten it out. Lower the heat a little. When the "pancake" sets and the side facing the pan is golden brown, flip it. If you can't flip it without making a mess, cut a line down the middle with a spatula, making it into two pieces. Serve with pita bread and a dollop of yogurt.

Add leeks to any soup whose base is onions. A lot of soups begin by frying onions at the bottom of the pot, so why not add leeks for an extra flavor boost?

For such an unconventional and underused vegetable, the above mentioned recipes incorporating leeks are simple to prepare and pleasurable to eat. Go ahead and expand your weekly menu with this highly nutritional bulb!