Leek

About

Leek has a mild, sweet allium flavor with a vegetal quality, along with subtler metallic and faintly minty-tropical undertones. Thorough washing is essential to remove soil trapped between its layers. As with onion and garlic, cutting leek triggers a chemical reaction that releases its characteristic aroma, so whole cooked leeks taste milder than sliced ones. The white base (shank) is the primary edible part; the tougher green top (flag) is generally used only for flavoring broths, and dried sliced leek is a convenient pantry option for soups and pies.

Pairs well with leek

• EaPotatoVichyssoise, a chilled cream-based soup, uses leek's mild sulfurous edge to lift potato's blandness.
• SuEggChef Simon Hopkinson notes leek's affinity for both truffle and caviar, and also considers it the best base for quiche.
• WoAlmondCalçots, a Catalan spring onion related to leeks, are traditionally chargrilled until blackened, wrapped in paper to steam and cool, then…
• EaMushroomMushrooms need little beyond an allium and fat, and leek's bulk makes it possible to build a satisfying mushroom and leek pie without…
• ChCheeseLeeks and cheese appear together widely: leeks layered with goat cheese in a terrine, charred and dried leek greens ("leek ash") used with…
• BrMisoA paste of miso and thin Japanese leek (negi) is used in seafood dishes and with baked potatoes.
• SuCornAccording to chef Daniel Patterson and perfumer Mandy Aftel in The Art of Flavor, leek and corn are natural partners: both are sweet, but…
• MuMustardLeeks cooked slowly in their own juices take on a buttery, creamy character that mustard both cuts through and enhances, as in poireaux…
• GrFennelFennel and leek work together much like tarragon: with butter or cream added, the combination makes a rich soup or a luxurious sauce base…
• CrPruneLeek and prune is an old combination, traditionally used in poultry or pork stuffing, with the prunes fried first to concentrate their…
• GrSpinachLeek, or its smaller relative scallion, commonly underpins spinach dishes, adding onion, leafy-green and herbal depth to dishes like…
• GrSorrelSorrel's incomplete, faintly lemony flavor is filled out by leek's more assertive character.
• SuChiveChive and leek share the allium family's characteristic sulfurous quality but differ enough to layer well together, chive tasting mildly…
• EaJerusalem artichokeSteamed Jerusalem artichoke and leek combine well in a salad, or in a rich soup similar to vichyssoise.