Leek

Allium ampeloprasum Vegetable

Leek Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"Mastering the subtle art of building flavor, leeks are an unsung hero of the culinary world."

Definition

A mild, onion-like vegetable known for its delicate, sweet flavor, often used as an aromatic base in soups, stews, and gratins.

Seasonal Availability Peak: Fall-Spring
Storage Life (Refrigerated) Up to 2 weeks
Sulfur Compounds Diallyl sulfide, s-methyl cysteine sulfoxide

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Leek are:

Mild sweet earthy onion-like

Chef’s Secret

To remove hidden grit, slice leeks lengthwise, then fan out under cold running water, ensuring all layers are clean before chopping.

Best Substitutes

Onion

adjust for intensity
Ratio 1:1

Scallion

for milder flavor
Ratio 1:1

Shallot

richer
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, unblemished white and light green parts. Avoid yellowing or wilting.

Recipes Using Leek

Grains Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less Swiss

Appenzell Style Oat Soup

Indulge in this heartwarming Appenzell-style oat soup, a traditional Swiss recipe! This creamy and comforting bowl features nutty oatmeal, savory leeks, and is finished with a generous sprinkle of sharp Appenzeller cheese (or a delicious substitute like Emmental, Gruyère, or Raclette). Perfect for a cozy night in or a light yet satisfying lunch. Get ready to savor the authentic flavors of Switzerland!

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Occasion Course Cuisine Jewish Ashkenazi

Aquagrill's Falafel Crusted Salmon

Recreate the iconic Aquagrill NYC dining experience with this show-stopping recipe! Flaky salmon is encrusted in a vibrant falafel crust, then broiled to perfection. Served with homemade hummus and a refreshing lemon-coriander salad – this kosher and gluten-free masterpiece is a culinary adventure you won't forget. Leftover falafel crust freezes beautifully for future use!

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Gluten Free Dietary Free Of Something Apples

Apple And Leek Frittata

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this stunning Apple and Leek Frittata! Inspired by "The New American Plate," this recipe combines sophisticated tastes with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a leisurely Sunday brunch, a light supper, or even a delightful room-temperature snack. Sweet apples and savory leeks mingle beautifully with fragrant sage in a fluffy egg custard. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a burst of autumnal goodness in every bite.

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Preparation Course Low In Something Easy

Baked Leek Casserole

A simple yet elegant side dish, this Baked Leek Casserole recipe from the popular Pol Martin cookbook is sure to impress! Creamy, savory, and perfectly baked, it's the ideal accompaniment to roasted meats or poultry. While the cooking time is just 40 minutes, remember to factor in extra time for pre-cooking the leeks. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Preparation Preparation Vegetables German

Baby Tarts Of Blue Cheese German And Vegetarian

Inspired by Roz Denny's *Modern German Food*, these elegant baby tarts are the perfect starter or light lunch. Imagine creamy blue brie mingling with subtly sweet leeks and tangy sauerkraut, all nestled in a buttery pastry crust and baked to golden perfection. This vegetarian recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers impressive flavor and visual appeal. Perfect for a sophisticated dinner party or a casual weeknight meal. Get ready to wow your guests!

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Dietary Christmas Main Ingredient Potatoes

Baked Potatoes Leeks And Carrots

Elevate your dinner with this incredibly simple yet flavorful baked potato, leek, and carrot recipe! Inspired by the Silver Spoon's Italian cooking, this dish is perfect as a side for any meat or fish. A food processor speeds up prep, leaving you with tender vegetables bathed in herbs and melted cheese in just 75 minutes. Get ready to impress!

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Cuisine Preparation Dinner Party Served Hot

Asparagus With Gorgonzola Sauce

Elevate your asparagus game with this decadent, creamy Gorgonzola sauce! Chef Silvia Maccari of Le Cordon Bleu shares her secret recipe for a dish that's perfect alongside other Italian favorites or as a stunning side for any meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – get ready to impress!

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Occasion Vegetables Side Dishes Inexpensive

Angel's Creamy Potato And Leek Bake

Indulge in this decadent and creamy potato and leek bake, a family favorite! Perfectly tender potatoes and subtly sweet leeks are bathed in a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers unbelievably delicious results – a comforting classic for any occasion. (While traditionally made with heavy cream, evaporated milk can be substituted for a lighter option.)

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Canadian North American Holiday Event Comfort Food

Another Wonderful Potato Salad With Leeks

This vibrant potato salad elevates the classic with the delightful combination of leeks, salty feta, and briny black olives. It's surprisingly light, bursting with fresh flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Adapted from Canadian Living magazine, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! #potatosalad #leek #feta #olives #summerrecipe #canadianrecipe #easyrecipe #lightrecipe

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Dietary Dietary Low Sodium Low In Something

4 Hour Milk Braised Pork

Experience melt-in-your-mouth perfection with this incredible 4-hour milk-braised pork shoulder recipe! Inspired by Canadian chef Ricardo's cookbook, this recipe delivers fall-apart tender pork infused with a rich, creamy milk sauce. The beautiful photos in the cookbook don't lie—this dish is as stunning as it is delicious. Serve with mashed sweet potatoes and your favorite green vegetable for a truly unforgettable meal.

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European Vegetables Potatoes Presentation

Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles Vichyssoise

Experience the legendary cold soup that captivated Anthony Bourdain! This refined recipe, inspired by his iconic cookbook, delivers a luxuriously creamy and subtly flavorful vichyssoise. Perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a light yet satisfying summer meal. Get ready to savor the taste of culinary history!

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Dietary Low Calorie Dietary 4 Hours Or Less

Bacon And Bean Soup With Fennel Dumplings

A hearty and flavorful Australian-style bacon and bean soup, elevated with fragrant fennel dumplings. This comforting recipe is perfect for a chilly evening and uses readily available ingredients. Get ready to enjoy a taste of home-style cooking with this delicious and satisfying meal!

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Beef Occasion Meat Low In Something

4Th Of July Triple Layered Savory Casserole

This vibrant and delicious 4th of July Triple Layered Savory Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by classic family recipes, this dish features three stunning layers – tender vegetables, savory ground beef (or turkey/veal!), and creamy macaroni and cheese. Perfect for your Independence Day celebration or any potluck, this make-ahead casserole is easy to assemble and boasts impressive layers visible through a clear oven-safe dish. Get ready to wow your guests!

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Easy Main Ingredient Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains

A Very Special Gnocchi

Indulge in this incredibly comforting and delicious gnocchi recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this updated classic is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Featuring crispy bacon, sautéed leeks, and a rich cheese sauce, it's a dish you'll want to make again and again. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Dietary Vegetarian Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient

Barley Broth

Rediscover the joy of barley with this heartwarming and flavorful broth! Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is packed with nutritious vegetables and boasts a rich, satisfying taste. A nostalgic twist on a classic, this upgraded barley broth is quick to make and will leave you feeling warm and full for hours.

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Dietary Asian Bisques Cream Soups Low Cholesterol

Asian Mushroom Barley And Vegetable Soup

Warm up with this vibrant and flavorful Asian Mushroom Barley & Vegetable Soup! Packed with earthy mushrooms, tender barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this hearty soup is bursting with umami richness and aromatic Asian spices. A perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening.

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Dinner Party Preparation Main Ingredient Meat

Belgium Chicken Waterzooi

Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of authentic Belgian Chicken Waterzooi! This classic Brussels comfort food recipe, ready in under an hour, features tender chicken simmered in a luscious broth with carrots, celery, leeks, and mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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