Looking like enormous scallions, leeks are cousins to onions and garlic. The flavor and aroma is evocative of, but much milder than, onions.

Leeks are served raw, braised, fried and sautéed, alone or as part of a more complex recipe. Typically, recipes call for only the white base and very light green portion of the stalk, although the green tops can be used for other purposes.

The only challenge with leeks is the sandy soil in which they grow. The sand gets in between the concentric leaves, and takes time to wash away.

But that’s no reason to avoid luscious leeks. The video below shows you how easy it is to clean them. Then:

Find some favorite vegetable recipes in our Gourmet Vegetables Section.

FOOD TRIVIA: The leek has been the national symbol of Wales since the sixth century. Welsh warriors wore them on their helmets to identify themselves from their enemies on the field of battle.

Fried leeks are the elegant relative of fried onion rings. Chefs at fine restaurants use them to top steaks and fish for visually arresting height and palate-pleasing crunch.

The deep fried leek strips are equally at home atop a burger or eggs: omelet, poached or scrambled.

In the recipe in the photo, executive chef/owner Christopher Seckman of Louisville’s North End Cafe serves grilled Atlantic salmon atop an asparagus-shiitake risotto cake with chardonnay butter sauce and sautéed spinach (the photograph shows a substitution of asparagus in season).

The garnishes: fried leeks and a balsamic reduction.

Try your hand at making fried leeks. We predict they’ll become a popular garnish in your home.
 
 
RECIPE: FRIED LEEKS

Ingredients

1. Sift flour and cornstarch together.

2. In a frying pan, heat oil to 350°F.

3. Dust leeks in flour mix and fry in one layer until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Drain on a paper towel, season with salt (we use fine sea salt).

Find more of our favorite vegetable recipes.
 
 
WHAT TO DO WITH LEEK GREENS (LEEK TOPS)

Don’t toss the leek greens you’ve trimmed way. They can be julienned and fried separately for another dish. You can julienne and fry them or add them to soups and casseroles.

Here’s how to cook them.
  

Head to the Oregon Truffle Festival to get
your share! Photo courtesy Taste Of Oregon.
Check out this recipe for Roast Chicken With
Truffles.

Registration is now open for the eighth annual Oregon Truffle Festival, with Early Bird pricing available through September 30th. The festival takes place in the southern Willamette Valley, in and around Eugene, Oregon.

The Festival celebrates Oregon’s native truffles, which reach the peak of ripeness in late January. The truffles are foraged in the forest, then brought to glory on the table by prominent chefs, whose dishes are paired with fine Oregon wines.

Truffle lovers can luxuriate in all things truffle on January 25, 26 and 27, 2013. Consider it as a memorable vacation or holiday gift.

Ticket packages begin at $525 per person, plus travel and accommodations. Options include these events and more:

 
There is also a truffle cooking class and other trufflicious options.
 
Learn more at OregonTruffleFestival.com.

All about truffles.