Leeks are often an underrated vegetable that most people do not eat on their own as they mistakenly believe they are quite bland and boring. Since leeks are so often only used in soups and stews, many people have only experienced them boiled without ever realising how flavourful they can be when cooked properly.
However, Natasha, a recipe developer who created Salt & Lavender has revealed that leeks are actually incredibly rich and savoury as long as you make them in a pan with a little butter. She said: “Leeks don’t just go in soups and stews; their delicious mild oniony flavour is fantastic when sautéed and further mellowed with butter. These irresistible buttered leeks are great when you want to try something a little different for a side dish.”
Leeks have a sweet and onion-like taste, but boiling them in water can wash out their natural flavour which will make them really watery.
They also have very delicate layers, and hot water will break them down to make them really mushy, which is not very appetising to eat.
Sautéing leeks helps bring out their sweetness, deepens their flavour and also caramelises them so you are left with a caramelised vegetable that tastes so much better.
Autumn is the best time to buy leeks as they are in season, and knowing how to prepare them properly can turn this affordable vegetable into an incredibly flavourful side dish.
How to make tastier leeks
You will need:
- Four leeks (chopped)
- 50g of butter
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- Two cloves of garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper
Method:
To begin, prepare the leeks by cutting off the dark green part of the vegetable to keep the bulbs. Cut the bulbs into rings, then add to a colander to wash them.
Dirt can hide in the layers for weeks, so use your hands to clean them properly, and then shake them in the colander to dry them off.
Then, you are ready to cook. Add the olive oil and butter to a pan, then cook on a medium-high heat until the butter has fully melted.
Mince the garlic cloves, then add them to the pan along with the leeks. Toss the leeks in the pan until they are completely covered in oil, then turn down the heat to medium.
Cook the leeks for seven to 10 minutes until tender, then season with salt and pepper. Your golden and crispy leeks will then be ready to serve as a mouthwatering autumn side dish.