To want to say goodbye to leeks forever?

[SlimJiminy]

Going through a homemade soup phase at the moment. Had spicy carrot & parsnip, minestrone, chunky winter veg, etc. All very tasty. Thought I'd go for leek & potato this week. How the sodding hell do you prepare a leek?! By the time I've washed the bits I can get to and chopped off the dirty bits I can't reach, I might as well have half a leek. It's such a waste. The pre-packed ones were tiny and more expensive. AIBU to never buy a leek again?!

Chop it up first and then wash it?

Slice it lengthways, then slice, then put in a collander under cold running water - voila...clean leeks, no wastage.

I am slightly curious though, as to how you have been preparing leeks, as I have never found leeks a difficulty in any way.

Slice off the root. Then most of the green bit, leaving about an inch. Slice vertically down for about 2 inches and hold under running tap while you fan out the leaves.

Be sure there's no earth on your chopping board before you slice up the rest. I usually do the chopping on the draining board to make sure.

But don't give up leeks. V useful vegetable, and they freeze well, too.

I just peel off the few outer leaves then chop/slice/cook. Same for sprouts. And cabbage.

Bit of mud never hurt anyone fingers crossed

Yuk, I don't like leeks

Yes - deep slice vertically and under water gets rid of all the dirt!

Frozen!

I do it the way Thymeout does it but there seems to be a lot of dirt left in today. I'd normally peel off the outer leaves too and then just use the rest and I don't mind a bit of dirt, but there was just too much today and it annoyed the hell out of me.

I like the colander idea - that sounds much easier. Thanks!

What the others say, but don't chop off all the green bits, only the top half inch. The green bits are the best bits and add a bit of colour too.

i love leeks. Bacon, leek and cheese together are a marriage made in heaven

yes to slice lengthways then wash (each leaf separately if it's really dirty) and then chop - that's what i do

Leeks are fabulous. Buy them sliced in asda if you CBA with the grit. Ime there's not very much if it usually. If you are making soup I'd use nearly all the green bit as it adds a bit of colour to a potato soup; it can look a bit anaemic otherwise .
Trim the root off. Slice the entire leek lengthwise and put under running water to wash away the sand. Roll in a teatowel to dry off a bit.
Continue with recipe

Tis easy. Just get it under the tap, give it a couple of shoogles and a toss, and you're laughing.

I think in hindsight I was a bit impatient with the washing. No way could I be arsed washing each leaf separately, but I guess I could've managed a little longer under the tap...