How to Cut Leeks in 3 Steps

Leeks are an edible vegetable from the allium genus, closely related to onions, garlic, scallions, chives, shallots, and Chinese onions. The edible portion of the plant includes the bundle of leaf sheaths so tightly bound they are often mistaken for stems or stalks. Chefs and home cooks can use leeks in stews or [potato leek soup](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/potato-leek-soup-recipe) or roast them alongside a roasted chicken. You can clean [leeks](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-leeks-how-to-cook-leeks-at-home) in one of two ways, depending on how you plan to use them in your cooking. If you need small slices or thin strips of leeks for your dish, soak them in a bowl of water. For whole leeks, cut the veggie lengthwise and rinse under running water. Here is a breakdown of the two methods: - __Cleaning chopped leeks__: Place the sliced leeks in a large bowl of cold water and swish them around to loosen any dirt. Drain the leeks in a colander, and they are ready to use. - __Cleaning whole leeks__: Lay the leek on a cutting board and cut into it at the first opening of the dark-green leaves. Next, cut along the length of the leaf down the stalk. Splay the leaf end of the leek open and rinse it under a cold tap, using your fingers to separate the layers so that water can get inside. Shake off any excess water and dirt and pat the veggie dry with a paper towel. Leeks have a flavor similar to shallots or [green onions](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leeks-vs-green-onions) and an onion flavor when sautéed. Most leek recipes will call for you to cut them into small half-moon strips before cooking them. Follow these simple steps for cutting fresh leeks: 1. __Trim the root and leaves__. Lay the leeks down lengthwise on your cutting board. Cut off the root end of the leek using a sharp knife and discard. Cut off the green part of the leek at the top, where the stem fans out into leaves. Discard the dark-green part, so you're only working with the white portion of the leek. 2. __Cut in half lengthwise__. Make a lengthwise cut down the center to halve the leek. Rinse the cut leek halves under running cold water to eliminate any clumps of dirt hiding in the layers. 3. __Slice into half-moons__. Place the leek halves on your cutting board, cut-side down. Slice the leeks into thin slices, about a half-inch thick. You can now sauté your leeks and add them to recipes like potato leek soup and stews. Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Niki Nakayama, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more. Follow this guide to learn how to cut and clean leeks efficiently, easily, and safely so that you can use these versatile veggies in several dishes.