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Leeks

Leeks are great for kids who like sweeter, milder flavours. Cooked low and slow in butter or oil, a pinch of salt and plenty of black pepper, they caramelise and sweeten, adding that to dishes just as onions or fennel might. Some kids prefer them with potatoes blitzed into soup, while other like them as a buttery, sweet side, or simply as a barely-noticeable base in a sauce or dish instead of onions.
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Why do the Welsh love leeks? Here’s the history of this mystery: in 640 AD, legend tells that King Cadwallader was defending Wales from a horde of marauding Saxons. The wise King told his army to wear leeks in their hats so they could find their allies on the battlefield. Since that great victory, the Welsh have just loved their leeks. Their soldiers still wear them every year on St David’s Day.

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Nutrition

Leeks are a good source of vitamin A, which supports our vision and immune system, and bone-building vitamin K and manganese.

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Shopping Guide

For the more tender leeks, go for the smaller or medium sized Small to medium sized leeks are the most tender. Look for leeks that have a firm white bulb and bright green leaves.

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Storage

Store your leeks whole in the fridge or crisper drawer for up to a week. If chopped, keep in an airtight container or zip-lock bag left slightly open will help to contain the smell.

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Preparation

To prep leeks, cut off the dark green tops (you can slow cook these in butter or stock to not waste them if you want!) and wash really well, making sure to get the water between the layers. Slice into rounds, in half lengthways, or cook whole. You can steam, boil, bake, or stir fry small slices of leeks – cook until soft.

Kids in the Kitchen

For a younger child, why not get them washing the leeks? Remove the ends of the leek and slice lengthways so they can see all the layers and spot any grit in it. Show them how to wash between the layers or submerge in water to rinse properly.

For an older child, it could be a great opportunity to learn some essential knife skills. Use the bridge technique to slice lengthways, and the claw grip to slice thinly all the way up the leek. If they are ready, you could then show them how to cook the leeks in butter or oil, salt and black pepper in a frying pan over low heat until soft and sweet, being careful of the heat.

Find more ideas for involving kids in the kitchen here.

Sensory

Explore leek through sight by getting a whole leek and describing the colours, the layers, the shape and texture. What does it remind you of? What words or images does it bring to mind? Cut it in half lengthways to see the layers more clearly and describe again – does it remind you of something new now?

Find more sensory ideas, tips and videos here. If you get stuck and need a little help with describing words, we have a selection for you here, too!

Serving

Next time you make a meal that includes leeks, why not ask your child to help you with one small step in the preparation of the leeks (maybe washing it carefully between all the layers), then see if they want to help you serve it as “their” meal.

Find the best ways of involving your own child and their skills and interests on our Roles for Kids page.

Activities

Why not try making a 3D leek model using playdough or air drying clay and paint? Grab a real leek to use as an example to get it just right!

Kids more into science? Explore leeks by investigating the roots, layers, and colours with a magnifying glass.

You can find more at-home science fun with veg with our videos from Stefan Gates’ here.

Find loads more free veg-themed crafts here and games here.

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Seasonality

Buying veg in season is not only great for the planet, it can be good for your wallet, too! Leeks are at their best over autumn and winter, so look for the tastiest and cheapest ones from September.

Coming In:

August

At Its Best:

September - May

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Your Food

Leeks have a natural sweetness and creaminess when cooked that many might kids love! Bring out the sweetness of leeks by cooking them low and slow, ideally with some butter or oil, or try adding them to some family favourite dishes…

Family Favourites

Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 1

Family Favourites

Sausage and Mash

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 1

Family Favourites

Jacket Potato with Toppings

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 1

Family Favourites

Lasagne

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 1

Family Favourites

Pasta Bake

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 1

Family Favourites

Roast

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 1

Family Favourites

Stew

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 1

Family Favourite

Spaghetti Bolognese

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 1

Family Favourites

More Recipes

Tim’s Leek & Bacon Stir-Fry with Cashews

Effort: 1
Complexity: 2
Cost: 2

Tim Casey

Jennifer’s Creamed Leeks & Poached Eggs on Toast

Effort: 1
Complexity: 1
Cost: 2

Jennifer John

Jennifer’s Chicken & Leek Cassoulet

Effort: 1
Complexity: 2
Cost: 2

Jennifer John

Jennifer’s Braised Sausages in Leek Gravy

Effort: 2
Complexity: 2
Cost: 2

Jennifer John

Rachel’s Green Baked Eggs with Leeks and Peas

Effort: 2
Complexity: 2
Cost: 2

Rachel Green

Jennifer’s Kale & Leek Colcannon

Effort: 2
Complexity: 2
Cost: 2

Jennifer John

Tom’s Minestrone Soup

Effort: 2
Complexity: 2
Cost: 2

Tom Kerridge

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If You Like Leeks…Try

Does your child enjoy leeks? That’s great! Leeks are usually sweet and soft (when cooked) so why not try a similar texture and/or taste…

The Wonderful World of Veg

Check out our vegepedia. When to buy in-season. How to store them to keep for longer. How to engage children with each veg, and simple ideas of how to prepare and cook them for maximum taste and minimum waste. Select a veg…

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