The leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum (L.) J. Gay) is a vegetable belonging, with onion and garlic, to the Alliaceae, the onion family. Also in this species are two very different vegetables: The elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum) grown for its bulbs, and kurrat which is grown for its leaves in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East. The leek is also sometimes classified as Allium porrum (L.)
Rather than forming a tight bulb such as the onion, the leek produces a long cylinder of bundled leaf sheaths which are generally blanched by pushing soil around them (trenching). They are often sold as small seedlings in flats which are started early in greenhouses, to be set out as weather permits. Once established in the garden, leeks are hardy; many varieties can be left in the ground during the winter to be harvested as needed.
Leek cultivars can be subdivided in several ways, but the most common types are "summer leeks", intended for harvest in the season when planted, and overwintering leeks, meant to be harvested in the spring of the year following planting. Summer leek types are generally smaller than overwintering types; overwintering types are generally more strongly flavored.
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Braised Leeks - Serve with grilled chicken. The horseradish sauce brings out the flavor of the leeks.
Meta Description: [ Delicious with grilled chicken; the horseradish sauce brings out the flavor of the leeks ]
Braised Leeks - Add wine, herbs, or cream to this recipe, which should be served as a side dish to roast meats.
Braised Leeks from Hugs's Homeheart - Braised in chicken broth and sugar, with a little canola oil.
Meta Description: [ Hugs's Homehearth-Food List Kitchen Recipe ]
Leek Recipes from P. Caunce and Son - Information about growing, harvesting, storing, cooking, nutrition, and their history.
Meta Description: [ Recipes using LEEKS from P. Caunce and Son, Brow Farm, Lancashire. ]
Leeks Recipes and Cooking Information - Recipes, history, and information for home cooking.
Meta Description: [ Leeks and wild leeks are quite different. The leek is a milder member of the onion family. Learn about the history of leeks. ]
Sauteed Leeks and Carrots - Side dish, good with pasta, potatoes, and soy dishes.
Meta Description: [ leeks and carrots - recipe ]
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Tomato-Orange Braised Leeks - Sweet and spicy. Suggests serving as part of buffet or on a vegetable platter.
Use Leeks from the Garden in Dinners and Salads - Four recipes using leeks.
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