How to Clean Leeks

Leeks can be more difficult to clean than other vegetables because they grow in sandy soil. Here's what you must do to make sure that your leeks are clean enough to use in your recipe.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knife
• Bowl of cold water
• Strainer
• Paper towels

1. Remove the top few inches of the dark green leaves of the leek using a sharp knife. These dark green leaves are not tender, so discard them.

2. Cut off the entire root of the leek with a sharp knife and discard it.

3. Slice the lengthwise pieces of leek using a sharp knife. Hold the layers of leek together with your hand when you are slice the leek. Cut the leek into pieces you need for your recipe.

4. Place the leek slices into a bowl filled with cold water.

5. Swish the pieces of leek around in the bowl of water with your hands. Rub the leek pieces to remove any sand and dirt that may be on the slices.

6. Strain the slices of leek using a strainer. Rinse them with cold running water.

7. Check the leek slices. If you see any dirt or sand, repeat the previous steps with a fresh bowl of cold water until the leeks are clean.

8. Dry the clean slices on paper towels and use the them as directed by your recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need a whole leek for your recipe, do not cut off the entire root of the leek. Instead, slice the leek lengthwise, cutting up to the root. Spread the leaves of the leek and rinse under cold water. Rub off any dirt between the layers with your fingers. Reassemble the leek after you finish.
• You can save the dark green leek leaves for other uses, such as making vegetable stock.
• If you need several leeks for your recipe, put the slices in a clean kitchen sink filled with cold water and swish them with your hands.

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