I’m sharing how to clean leeks properly to get rid of all the dirt hidden in between layers in this post.
Leeks are commonly used in Indonesia. We call it prei (pronounce as “prey”) or sometimes daun bawang. My mom loves to use leeks for a stir-fry. Leeks grow into the soil and they retain lots of dirt in their layers and leaves. It is important to clean them thoroughly. Unfortunately, just rinsing the leeks will not get to the dirt in the inner layers. In this post, I will show you how to clean the dirt off easily.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS ON HOW TO EASILY CLEAN LEEKS THE PROPER WAY
1. CUT THE LEEKS
Cut the leeks into the size and shape that you want. You can only clean the leeks effectively after cutting them as the dirt is hiding in between all those layers.
In general, halve them lengthwise, then sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch thick pieces OR you can just slice them into rings (as shown in the photo below)
If you cut them into rings, use your fingers to push the layers out
Look at all the dirt in between layers
2. SOAK IN WATER
Transfer the leek pieces to a large bowl of cold water and stir to loosen the dirt. Make sure you stir it!
Let stand for 5 minutes to let dirt and sand settle to the bottom
3. REMOVE LEEKS FROM SOAKING WATER
Lift leeks out of the water with your hands to a colander. Do not simply pour the dirty water out from the bowls with the leeks in there. If you do so, the dirt will get caught in the leeks again
Look at the dirt that has settled to the bottom. Discard and rinse the bowl clean and repeat this process again from step no. 2, probably another 2 times until you no longer see any dirt in the water
4. READY TO BE USED
Now the leeks are all clean and ready to be used
WHAT TO COOK WITH LEEKS
Here are some that I’ve tried to get you started:
LEEKS AND CHICKEN STIR-FRY
MARTABAK TELUR
MIE GORENG JAWA
PAPET VAUDOIS WITH LEEKS
LEEKS OMELETTE
CHICKEN WITH LEEKS AND DILL
PAN-FRIED LEEKS PANCAKES
How to Clean Leeks Easily and Properly
Ingredients
- 1 large leeks
Instructions
Cut the leeks:
- Cut the leeks into the size and shape that you want. You can only clean the leeks effectively after cutting them as the dirt is hiding in between all those layers.
In general, halve them lengthwise, then sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch thick pieces OR you can just slice them into rings (as shown in the photo above) - If you cut them into rings, use your fingers to push the layers out
Soak in water:
- Transfer the leek pieces to a large bowl of cold water and stir to loosen the dirt. Make sure you stir it!
- Let stand for 5 minutes to let dirt and sand settle to the bottom
Remove leeks from soaking water:
- Gently lift leeks out of the water with your hands to a colander, try not to stir up any dirt that has settled to the bottom. Do not simply pour the dirty water out from the bowls with the leeks in there. If you do so, the dirt will get caught in the leeks again
- Discard the dirty water and rinse the bowl clean and repeat this process again from soaking the leeks, probably another 2 times until you no longer see any dirt in the water
Ready to be used:
- If you don't see any more dirt or sand in the water, the leeks are ready to be used in your cooking
