How To Cut and Clean Leeks

Leeks are a great vegetable.  They have a mild onion flavor and can be used in Potato Leek Soup and many other recipes.  One of the most difficult things about leeks is preparing them for use.  When they grow they get grit or sand in the layers and it must be cleaned before use.  Here is how to get them ready for use. 

Ingredients:

Leeks
Water

Equipment:

Salad Spinner

Here's how:

Fill  the bowl part of the salad spinner 3/4 of the way with water.

Place the leeks on a cutting board.

Cut off the green tops and root end.

Cut the leek in half lengthwise.

Slice the leek into 1/4 inch half moons.

Place the leeks into the salad spinner strainer bowl and place that into the bowl full of water.  Make sure the leeks are separated.

Let the leeks sit for 10 minutes.

Pull out the strainer and discard the water.

Refill the water and place the strainer bowl back in.  Let sit 10 minutes.

Pull out the strainer and discard the water.

Refill the water and place the strainer bowl back in.  Let sit 10 minutes.

Pull out the strainer and discard the water.

Place the strainer bowl back into the bowl and spin.

Use the spinner and get all of the water out. 

The leeks should be grit free now.  Use the leeks now or store for later.