21 Leek Recipes You'll Want to Bookmark

Whether you’re a seasoned leek fan or a newbie who has always wondered what to do with (what looks like) those overgrown scallions in your market basket, this deep dive into cooking with leeks will be a great inspiration. Some background: Leeks are members of the allium family, like onions and scallions, but they have a deeper savoriness and sweetness than either. Tried-and-true recipes, like potato-leek soup, take advantage of this quality, pairing a bland vegetable with body (the potato) with another that has a subtle oomph (that would be the leek). Steaming or boiling leeks, another classic preparation, leaves you with a silky vegetable side dish that needs no more than a light dressing to really wow. One caveat: Be sure you clean the leeks well, as they can contain sand among their layers. Trim off the tougher dark green tops and outer leaves and wash in running water; slice and soak grittier leeks in several changes of water.

One of the best things about leeks is how they play so well with other delicate flavors, being both delicate themselves but also just a little more interesting than your usual onion (sorry onions, we love you too). Here, they underline the richness of salmon in a simple frittata.

Just roll out your puff pastry, top, and bake, for a tart that looks chic and tastes terrific.

These leek-y mashed potatoes—herbal and creamy—are the perfect home run to bring to a potluck, and are straightforward enough for a weeknight side.