Leek
Leeks give a mild onion-like flavor, adding sweetness and aroma to dishes.
Flavor profile
Aroma: oniony, mild
Good to know
Origin: Mediterranean
Forms: whole
Storage: Store in the refrigerator, unwashed and untrimmed.
How to use leek
Soup Foundations
Sweat leeks in butter to break down fructans, adding sweetness to soups.
Roasting Companion
Roast leeks for the Maillard reaction, caramelizing sugars and deepening flavor.
What goes with leek
- Potato. Leeks and potato are the classic soup pair, sweet allium and soft starch.
- Butter. Butterfat softens leek's sharpness, lending a smooth mouthfeel.
- Bacon. Bacon's fat and smoke amplify leek's sweet, oniony flavor.
- Chicken Stock. Leek's mild sweetness deepens chicken stock's savory flavor.
- Mushroom. Sweet leeks balance mushroom's earthy depth.
- Salmon. Leeks' mild sweetness suits salmon's rich flesh.
- White Wine. White wine's acid lifts leek's mild sweetness in braises.
- Parmesan. Parmesan's salty umami deepens leek's gentle sweetness.
- Thyme. Thyme's earthy aroma boosts leek's mild sweetness.
Mistakes to avoid
- Inadequate cleaning leaves grit.
- Overcooking makes them mushy.
Ideas for tonight
- Make potato-leek soup.
- Sauté with garlic as a side.
- Add to a vegetable tart.
Leek: questions
What does leek taste like?
Leeks give a mild onion-like flavor, adding sweetness and aroma to dishes., with an aroma that is oniony, mild.
What goes well with leek?
Leek pairs best with potato, butter, bacon, chicken stock, mushroom. Leeks and potato are the classic soup pair, sweet allium and soft starch.
How do you use leek in cooking?
Soup Foundations: sweat leeks in butter to break down fructans, adding sweetness to soups.
How should you store leek?
Store in the refrigerator, unwashed and untrimmed.
What is the most common mistake with leek?
Inadequate cleaning leaves grit.
