Food of the Month - Leeks

Holiday season has officially begun. Thanksgiving is over, we’re all still feeling full, a little tired but of course, ready for more. More cheer, more merry, more carols and most importantly more food. This month we decided to celebrate a winter vegetable that may go unnoticed in many dishes and perhaps, you’ve never even heard of it, but this veggie can be your secret weapon when it comes to turning any dish into a savory, warming and healthy holiday meal.

This December we’re chatting it up about the green, long and ridiculously delicious LEEK! A leek looks a lot like a giant green onion, in fact it’s in the onion and garlic family. Unlike it’s potent cousins, the leek has a more mild flavor and when cooked until tender, leeks can add a savory, sweet flavor that’s unlike any other.

Why eat a leek?

Studies show that leeks are anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. They also contain a large amount of allicin. When digested allicin, produces sulfenic acid which helps your body neutralize free radicals.  In layman’s terms: leeks can help your body fight off viruses, disease and even the common cold.

How to eat a leek?

Leeks are easy to prepare BUT it’s very important that you thoroughly clean a leek as they tend to have hidden dirt inside the edible part.  To clean and prep simply cut off green tops of leeks and remove outer tough leaves (these outer leaves are a bit woodier then the white parts of the leek but they make an exceptional vegetable broth. Either make your broth with the meal your preparing or put the leek tops in a ziplock bag and freeze for later use).  Cut the white/light green part of the leek into thin rounds, fill a bowl with water and add leek rounds to the water. Use your hands to clean out any dirt hiding inside the leek.  Strain leeks and use as you would onions and garlic. 

When should you eat a leek?

Like we mentioned, leeks are a wonderful replacement for any recipe that calls for a sautéed onion.  Trust us, the minute the aroma of the leeks cooking in olive oil hits the air, everyone in your family will wonder "what's for dinner?"

Here are a few simple ways to incorporate leeks into your diet:

Leek and potato soup

Fried leeks (instead of fried onions)

Caramelized leeks

Quiche with leeks

Creamy leek and mushroom pasta sauce