BABY LEEKS	VEGETABLES - KNOW YOUR VEG

These tender little leeks are a member of the garlic and onion family, they have a wonderfully subtle, sweet flavour and are an attractive pale green colour. Baby leeks are ideal for cooking and serving whole. Choose firm, fresh-looking leeks that have a firm white bulb.

How To Use Baby Leeks

Baby leeks are usually cooked before eating. Leeks go particularly well with lamb and pork. Serve as an accompanying vegetable in a cheese or white sauce, or sauté whole leeks in butter, wrap in ham, sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese and bake in the oven for a simple starter.

How To Prepare Baby Leeks

The layers between leeks can trap grit or soil so they should be thoroughly washed before use. If serving whole leeks, stand the leeks upside down to soak in a tall jug of water, so that any dirt will float out. If you are using sliced leeks cut off the root and any of the green top that looks tough and slice and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.

How To Cook Baby Leeks

Baby leeks can be pan-fried, baked, braised or roasted. To pan-fry, heat a little olive oil and butter in a frying pan, add the prepared whole leeks and cook gently for 10 - 15 minutes or until tender. To bake, preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5, place the prepared leeks in an ovenproof dish, cover with cheese or white sauce and bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until tender. To braise leeks, pour 3 cm chicken or vegetable stock into a frying pan, add the leeks, cover and cook gently for 15 - 20 minutes or until tender. To roast preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a roasting tin and heat in the oven, add the leeks, season well and roast for 35 - 45 minutes or until tender.

How To Store Baby Leeks

Keep in the fridge for 4 - 5 days.

The information and images for this article have come from www.thinkvegetables.co.uk. It provides full information on all the main vegetables available on the UK market including nutritional information and delicious recipes. The site is a service provided by Mack Vegetables, one of the largest and most successful suppliers of fresh vegetables in the UK, serving a wide range of customers from caterers to major multiples. You can find out more about Mack by visiting the website at www.mwmack.co.uk