Why Leeks are Awesome (+ a Gratinéed Leeks Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Why are leeks good for you? ›

Leeks provide several nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and B6. Leeks are very low in calories, but do contain a decent amount of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins like vitamins A, B6, C, and K, and minerals like copper and manganese.

Leeks are a nutritious vegetable that can provide several health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of eating leeks: Rich in Nutrients: Leeks are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, and manganese.

Season leeks with soy, maple, sesame oil, and mirin. Top with sliced garlic and a few knobs of butter around the outside of the pan. Add just enough stock to cover leeks halfway, bring to a boil and pop into over to roast until caramelized and tender when pierced with a knife.

While the French use them all over the place, from the “French Women Don't Get Fat” soup to potato-leek soup to leek-and-whatever quiche and leek-and-whatever omelettes and leeks with vinaigrette and leeks gratin, I had them once in a restaurant here in France without any fuss, really just leeks, and they were awesome.

Nutrition. In terms of what's good for you, both leeks and green onions have tons of vitamins and nutrients, but overall, leeks are more nutrient dense, with more fiber, and much more of manganese, Vitamin K, Beta Carotene & Iron.

Fun Facts. Leeks are a member of the onion family. The edible part of the leek plant is a long cylinder of bundled leaf sheaths which is sometimes called a stem or stalk. As the leek grows in height, soil is pulled around the base of the plant, blanching the stem - making it white and tender.

Leeks are very high in Vitamins A and K and are good sources of Vitamin B-6, folate, iron, calcium and manganese. They are also high in fiber and low in calories. Leeks are also a mild diuretic (there is even a “leek soup diet” that supposedly helps with weight loss) and are high in antioxidant polyphenols.

Prebiotics, a type of fiber, are good for our beneficial gut bacteria. They assist in balancing the bacteria which aids in a healthy digestive system. Leeks are an excellent source of vitamin K and a good source of vitamin A and manganese.

Wash leeks thoroughly, making sure to get between the layers. Roughly chop or finely slice them, then steam, boil, braise, roast, stir-fry or sauté. Leeks are often used as a base ingredient in stocks, soups and stews, along with carrots, onion and celery.

Soak the stalks in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes or so, then rinse under cold running water in the sink. The long soak allows the water to penetrate the leek's many layers, clearing out all the bits of debris. Once your veg is all cleaned up and dirt-free, it's time to get cookin'.

What is the best way to eat leeks? ›

When leeks are sliced or chopped, they can be used in place of onions or shallots in soups, stews, and casseroles. You can also showcase their subtle, sweet flavor in pasta dishes like our Red Lentil Rotini with Silken Leeks and Shiitakes or Vegan Penne with Artichokes, Leeks, and Lentils.

Global Leeks And Other Alliaceous Vegetables Consumption

With nearly X thousand tons, Indonesia became the world's leading leek consuming country, accounting for X% of global consumption.

The bulbs and lighter green leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The darker green leaves are much tougher and along with the roots, should be removed before eating or cooking.

In addition to their great flavor, leeks are also a good source of dietary fiber, and contain large amounts of folic acid, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. They have laxative, antiseptic, diuretic, and anti-arthritic properties and are easier to digest than regular onions.

Leeks are a healthy food and, like most foods, can be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Eating large amounts of leeks, however, can have some negative effects. First, leeks are high in fiber and can cause digestive discomfort, bloating, and gas if consumed in large amounts.

It can cause 30-50% antioxidant losses in brussels sprouts, leeks, cauliflower, peas, and zucchini, but onion, broad bean, celery, beetroot, and garlic only lose 5-30% of their free radical-scavenging capacity.

Just 80g (around half a large leek) counts as one of your 5-a-day and they're so easy to prepare too!