Leeks

photo credit: gourmetsleuth

What are Leeks?

Looking like an extra large scallion, the leek is related to the garlic and the onion even though its flavor and fragrance are milder and more subtle. Leeks are frequently cooked and served as a side vegetable or incorporated into soups and other cooked dishes. Leeks can be eaten raw as well but make sure just to use the whitest portion of the bulb. The wild version of the leek is called is called a ramp.

Substitute For Leeks

If you don't have leeks or just wish to find a substitute there are several good alternatives. For 1 cup of leeks substitute:

1 cup chopped green onions (scallions). The taste will be more subtle but they may be something you have in your refrigerator already.
OR - 1 cup dry yellow or white onion, chopped. These onions will be stronger in flavor.
OR - 1 cup chopped shallots -which are also mild and have a slightly different flavor.

Equivalents

1 lb leeks = 2 cups chopped or sliced (white part)
1 cup leeks = 89 grams

metric conversions →

Green Onions and Leeks

Nutrition Information For Leeks

Serving Size

1 cup

Calories

Calories from Fat

% Daily Value^*

Total Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 18mg

Potassium

160g

Total Carbohydrate 13g

Dietary Fiber 2g

10%

Sugars 3g

Protein 1g

Vitamin A 0%	•	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%	•	Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Leeks Recipes

Roasted Chestnut and Leek Bisque
Easy to make Roasted Chestnut and Leek Bisque with Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamy Goat Cheese r. Ingredients include leeks, Spanish onion, sherry, garlic and broth. An elegant first course or main course with salad and bread.
Colcannon
A classic Irish dish of potatoes, leeks and cabbage.
Fava Bean Puree
Fava beans are cooked and pureed with leeks, garlic, white wine, butter, and olive oil. Serve with roasted meats.
Carrot Leek Soup
This simple to make Carrot Leek Soup is equally delicious hot or cold. Pair with a crisp green salad and fresh corn bread and uncork a Sauvignon Blanc or Dry Riesling. A perfect lunch or dinner entree.
Poached Trout with Vegetables and Caramelized Apples
Although Poached Trout or Salmon with Vegetables, Ginger, and Pinot Grigio with Caramelized Apples is a long name it doesn't take that much time to prepare. The vegetables include carrot, leek, scallion and celery.

Related Recipes

Green Garlic

Green garlic is a spring culinary treat that does not receive as much fan fare as it deserves. Learn about culinary uses for green garlic. Includes tips on how to grow, use, store, as well as recipe links. More

Popular Features: