13 Leek Recipes That Highlight Your Favorite Allium

Until I began cooking professionally, I never really knew what to do with leeks. Sure, I saw them displayed in the produce section, but to me, they just looked like scallions on steroids. This is not to say I was unfamiliar with their flavor—I had my fair share of potato-leek soup (albeit the Knorr dry mix variety at first). It’s just that the idea of actually cooking with these seemingly imposing green stalks was daunting to me…that is until I learned how to clean and prep them properly. Any chef will tell you, this is the basis of any good leek dish. Once you get that step out of the way, the (leek) possibilities are endless. We’ve gathered some of our favorite leek recipes that showcase a variety of techniques—from searing and braising to stir-frying and grilling—that make the most out of leek’s vegetal charms. Whether you want a satisfying entree, like Nik Sharma’s flavored-pack braised leeks with Sichuan chile sauce, a luxurious creamed leeks side dish, or savory Tawainese pan-fried leek dumplings, we’ve got you covered.