Leek Season

Now that fall is here certain vegetables will be making appearances. One is the leek.This cousin of the onion , garlic and shallot is versatile. Put it into soups or as a tasty topping. its' mild flavor accentuates the other ingredients nicely.

Leeks are one of the word's most ancient vegetables. They were cultivated and eaten in ancient Egypt bu t it;s most associated with Wales. It is the symbol of the country and Welshmen put it on their lapels for St. David's day, St David being the country's patron saint. Ir was even mentioned in Shakespeare's Henry V when the kind himself acknowledges that he should wear a leek for he is a Welshman, you know." Leeks are high in Vitamin B6 and iron , important nutrients to ward off any flu or cold this season.

What to do with leeks? If you're Piedmontese like I am then you'd have them on broiled on buttered toast with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Leeks are also good in soup or even braised as a side dish. You can also put them in pancakes and make a leek pie with them. They are easy to cook with and just require a light washing before cooking to remove any residual dirt.


This season get acquainted with leeks. They are not only tasty but good for you. They had a sublte earthy flaovr to meals , making them one of the perfect fall vegetables.