How far up?

Stephen_Leak

Exactly how far up a leek can you use? Specifically for soups.

Gingernutmeg

Generally, unless the recipe specifies the white bit only, I just trim the very top off and use pretty much all of it. As long as it's sand free it's fine.

SunnyGirl

I always take off any tough looking outer leaves & then trim about an inch off the top then use the rest. I have a good look & if any of it seems dry I chop it off. If it's for a classical vichyoisse (sp?) or leek & potato soup that you want to stay white in colour don't use any of the greener bits. HTH

hotcookie101

I use all of it for soup-just make sure I clean off all the mud first... (I do remove the tiny bit of root though )
Sweat it all off, with some onion, then add spuds and stock and cook til spuds done. Then blitz

geordie_joe

As far as you want, although the leaves get tougher/stringier the further up you go.

I usually find the point where the leave separates from the stem is about the best place, but it depends on how old/fresh your leek is. Basically, if it looks OK you can eat it.

milkybars

As above... I remove outer-most layer then chop off about an inch from the end.

If its for soup and I'll be whizzing anyway, I half the leek long-ways and then wash the outer three or four layers from each half to get rid of the gritty sand and dirt. Then chop up as nomal.

Paulie'sGirl

I use the lot, I'm just careful about rinsing the sand out of the top, and shred the darker bits very finely. If you're going to blend the soup I wouldn't even do that.

A very OS vegetable the leek, very little waste!

PGxx

Frugalista

I use it all too. I also save the green parts off other leeks (that have been used in different dishes) to use in soups - waste not, want not .

Caterina

All the way up unless it is yellow and curling. Just chop the harder leaves very finely otherwise they are quite fibrous.

If you really cannot stand the fibres in the harder outer leaves, they can be used to make stock (and then compost).

Stephen_Leak

Thank you, all. Waste not, want not. I also have no problem with green leek & potato soup.

nearlyrich

Mmmmm Leek and Potato soup my fave.... I use the lot it doesn't have to be white or cold!