What goes well with leeks? Learn the best ingredient pairings, meal ideas, popular flavor combinations, and other helpful tips.
What Are Leeks?
Leeks are part of the allium family along with chives, garlic, onions, and shallots. This is why leeks look like large green onions.
They have a delicate onion flavor that is slightly sweet when cooked.
Helpful Tips
What's Edible?
The whole leek is completely edible. Just make sure to wash them really well before cooking because dirt gets trapped inside their layers.
The white and light green parts are often used early on when building flavor in soups or when making caramelized braised leeks but can be used in place of onions or shallots, or even garlic.
Leek greens have just as much flavor (if not more) when cooked, so make you don't throw them away.
Best Time To Buy
Leeks are in season from autumn to spring. Buying them during this time will ensure they have the best flavor and are at the lowest price. See what other produce is in season right now.
How To Prepare
Leeks can be boiled, braised, fried, grilled, roasted, or steamed
What Ingredients Go Well With Leeks?
Vegetables
Carrots, cauliflower, celery, chile peppers, fennel, garlic, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, and scallions.
Fruit
Lemons and tomatoes.
Spices
Bay leaf, caraway seeds, coriander, nutmeg, paprika, pepper (black or white), and kosher salt.
Herbs
Chives, dill, oregano, parsley & chervil (french parsley), sage, tarragon, and thyme.
Non-Dairy/Dairy
Butter, cheese (cheddar & parmesan), cream (for dairy-free, use cashew cream, oat cream, or coconut cream from a can).
Proteins
Anchovies, bacon, beef, chicken, eggs, fish, mussels, and sea bass.
Pantry Items
Balsamic vinegar, barley, capers, chicken or vegetable broth, mustard, olive oil, rice, soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce), truffles (black), and wine (red or dry white).
Popular Leek Pairings
- anchovies + garlic + olive oil
- bacon + cream
- cream + thyme
- mustard + vinaigrette
What to Make With Leeks
Leeks are a common ingredient in French and Greek cuisines and are great in egg dishes, soups, stews, dressings, and salads. Try these recipes as a starting point:
- frittatas or healthy breakfast hashes
- caramelize & add to homemade vinaigrettes
- Caramelized Braised Leeks
- use the leek greens in leek greens farro risotto or traditional risotto if you eat gluten-free
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