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a large bowl of cut up leeks for comforting potato leek soup

How to Clean Leeks

Step by step guide for how to clean leeks! What leeks are, how to wash leeks, which parts to use, what they taste like, recipes, and more!
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 leek (or as many as you need)
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Ingredients
  

  • Leeks
  • Water

Instructions
 

Method 1: Clean the Leeks Fully Sliced:

  • Rinse leeks. Cut off roots. The root ends of a leek should be discarded.
    cutting and washing leeks for the best potato leek soup recipe
  • Cut off dark leafy greens that you do not plan to use, or save them for stock.
    sliced leek on a large wooden cutting board for easy souo
  • Slice leeks in half lengthwise.
    sliced leek on a large cutting board
  • Chop each half crosswise in 1/4 inch slices.
    cut leeks for creamy potato leek soup recipe
  • Place sliced leeks in a bowl of cold water. Agitate with your hands to remove dirt and grit that was trapped between the layers.
    a large bowl of leeks soaking in water
  • Scoop out clean leeks with a slotted spoon or drain with a colander. Dry completely with a salad spinner, then place in empty bowl. Proceed with using them for your recipe!
    a large bowl of cut up leeks for comforting potato leek soup

Method 2: Clean the Leeks Whole:

  • Cut a slit straight through the green parts of the leek. Insert the tip of a knife at about 1/4 inch below the lowest opening of the dark green part and cut to the end of the green leaves, leaving the white part of the leek uncut.
    cutting leeks for recipe for potato leek soup
  • Fan open the leek and rinse thoroughly, running your fingers and the water between each layer. Cut off the leafy ends (can reserve to use for making stock).
    sliced leek on a large wooden cutting board for easy souo
  • Cut off and discard the stringy roots. Get ready for roasting, boiling, or sautéing, and ENJOY!
    cutting and washing leeks for the best potato leek soup recipe

Notes

  • Which Part of the Leek Do You Use? The white and light green part of the leek are used for eating. The dark green leaves are not eaten on their own as they are tough, but they can be used for flavoring stocks. The very bottom root end of the leek is cut off and not eaten.

Nutrition

Serving: 1leekCalories: 54kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1484IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
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