Leek

Clean and slice

1. 1

   Cut off the root and the dark, tough green tops (keep for stock).

2. 2

   Halve lengthways.

3. 3

   Rinse under running water, fanning the layers to wash out soil.

4. 4

   Slice into half-moons.

Tips

• Or slice first, then swish in a bowl of water — grit sinks; lift the leeks out.

Knife cuts that suit it

• Rondelle3–6 mm thick discs

• Paysanne12 × 12 × 3 mm

• Julienne3 × 3 × 50 mm (fine julienne: 1.5 × 1.5 × 50 mm)

Use it in

• Leek and potato soup
• Vichyssoise
• Cock-a-leekie