What is a Leek?

Wondering… what is a leek? Here is everything you need to know.

Leeks have their own sweet, oniony flavor, which adds to soups, pastas, stews, and more, but what is a leek? What do you need to know about it? We have prepared this article for you about leeks.

What is a Leek

What is a leek?

Leeks are a member of the onion family and related to garlic, chives, and shallots. Leeks are native to the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Leeks look like green onions but are rather larger than them. It has a mild flavor, can easily be cooked, and therefore is a favorite addition to soups, casseroles, and white meat entrées.

Leeks are a bulbous vegetable, just like onions, with white flesh and leafy green tops. A leek’s bulb, however, is just slightly larger than its stem and is not round in shape. Older leeks have more rounded bulbs. They can be boiled, fried, braised, or roasted. You can treat them like onions as well, either sauté them in butter or olive oil or caramelize them.

What is a Leek: A Brief History

This humble root vegetable is cited as a symbol of Wales in William Shakespeare’s Henry V. Historical evidence also exists that the Tudor dynasty issued leeks to be worn by their guards on March 1, known as St David’s Day in honour of the patron saint of Wales. There is also plenty of entertaining folklore and guesswork why the Welsh are inextricably linked with the leek. The 7th century king of Gwynedd, Cadwaladr, is said to have ordered his men into battle wearing them for identification purposes, but whatever the origins, they grow plenty of them and they taste lovely.

What is a leek in flavor?

Generally, leeks are described as mild onions which are slightly sweet in taste. The younger a leek is, the more delicate its flavor and texture is. Leeks are very beneficial for health as well. They are fat and cholesterol-free and are nutrient-dense. A single leek contains about 50 calories and a good source of vitamins A, C, and folate.

So, this was a little introduction of what leek is a leek. We hope now you know the answer to what is a leek you’ll try a leek recipe.

What is a Leek: A Leek Pasta Recipe

What is a Leek Pasta: Ingredients

• 5 - 6 Dried Lasagna Sheets

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

• 2 Medium Leeks, trimmed and sliced

• 5 - 6 Button Mushrooms, washed, trimmed and sliced

• 2 Garlic Cloves, sliced

• ¼ Cup Fresh Cream

• 1 Cup Chicken Stock (see recipe here) or Vegetable Stock

• For seasoning:

• Salt and Black Pepper, as per taste

• Oregano, red chilly flakes

• Fistful of flat parsley

What is a Leek Pasta: Method

1. Heat oil in a pan and saute sliced mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add garlic cloves and stir nicely.

2. Mix in chopped leeks and pour chicken stock, season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer on low flame for 5 minutes until liquids are reduced, add cream and again let it simmer for 3 - 4 minutes.

3. Boil water in a pan and when it is bubbling hot drop in lasagna sheets. Make sure lasagna sheets do not stick to the bottom of the pan. Once pasta is cooked drain it in colander and rinse under cold water.

4. Pile lasagna sheets one on top of other and cut lengthwise into 2 inch wide strips.

5. Add the lasagna strips into the simmering sauce and let it sit there for 5 minutes so that pasta absorbs the sauce.

6. Switch of the gas and finish with oregano, chilly flakes and parsley.

7. Serve hot with grilled toast!!

Okay so what is a leek is fully answered. You can try this other leek recipe if you fancy?