Feb 22, 2011

New Food Adventure: Leeks


I never really knew what leeks were, but Charise posted a leek soup recipe. So I thought I'd try and now I'm posting.

Summary
An allium (related to onions and garlic), but not as overpowering as an onion, so it lend a more subtle, delicate and sweeter flavor to dishes.

Nutritional Info
Great for your heart and high in folate--similar to garlic and onions.

How to Eat
Heat 3 tablespoons of broth in 10-12 inch stainless steel skillet until it begins to steam. Add 1 pound of cut leeks. Cover and Healthy Sauté for 4 minutes. Add 2 more tablespoons of broth, reduce heat to medium low, and Healthy Sauté for 3 more minutes uncovered while stirring frequently. Toss with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. .

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:
-Sauté leeks and fennel. Garnish with fresh lemon juice and thyme.
-Add finely chopped leeks to salads.
-Add leeks to broth and stews for extra flavoring, in place of onions.
-Braised leeks sprinkled with fennel or mustard seeds make a wonderful side dish for fish, poultry or steak.

Recipe
potato leek soup

**side note: from WHFoods.com
Leeks are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating leeks. But for everyone else, they're a great addition.

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