Most of the time, people will tell you to rinse leeks scrupulously to get rid of all the dirt and sand that collects between the leaves.  I don’t trust this method, since it seems the dirt really likes to hide.  I saw Rachael Ray use this method once, and it works better than any other way I have tried.

how to cut and clean leeks

1.  Cut off roots and dark green portion of leeks and discard.  Cut leeks longways down the middle.

2.  Place on the cutting board, cut side down, and slice into pieces of desired width.  Place in a large bowl and cover with cold water.  Use your hands to separate the rings.  Let sit for a few minutes until all dirt, sand, and grit falls to the bottom of the bowl.

3.  With your hands or a slotted spoon, carefully remove leeks and dry off on a paper towel.

3 Responses to “how to cut and clean leeks”

1. potato leek soup | sophistimom says:

   20 January 2009 at 2:38 pm

   [...] « how to cut and clean leeks [...]
2. Connie (the write one) says:

   21 January 2009 at 12:12 pm

   Normally, I object to anything Rachael Ray out of principal, but I’ll give you a pass on this one. Generous of me, isn’t it?
   I love leeks. I like to use them when I make stock.
3. Erika says:

   13 November 2009 at 2:22 pm

   Wow! What a difference. I was making potato leek soup and I have never used leek before. Great description and pictures to demonstrate. By the way, the soup was great without the dirt.