Are the dark tops of leeks edible?

Slinky_Malinky

Hi all,

I have a huge leek which has a lot of quite tough dark leaves at the top. Normally I would cut them off and throw them away but I would like to use them up if possible.

If I give them a good wash and cook them up in a chicken/veg soup which is to be blended smooth, would this be okay? I don`t want to take a chance on throwing them in and possibly ruining the whole pan of soup.

Or am I taking frugality too far trying to eat these leaves?

Many thanks.

OrkneyStar

I always find adding a good handful of well chopped green parts makes a more flavoursome soup- they take a bit longer than the whiter bits and are a bit more bitter but do soften down nicely.
hth

Olliebeak

I tend to use the tops in mixed veg soups/casseroles/stews (though not necessarily in Leek and Potato Soup, which I think needs to be fairly pale in appearance) - though I do put the very top bit (where they've been trimmed) in the bin IF it looks too woody.

Alison_Funnell

I use the very ends when making stock.

seraphina

I use the green bits when making soups - chuck them in at the beginning with the onion, they're very flavoursome.

phizzimum

I actually prefer the darker part of the leaves - I think they have more flavour. they can be more fibrous though, so make sure you chop them finely.

valk_scot

Most of the leek flavour is in the green parts and yes, of course they're edible! I use the white parts for pies etc but I shred the green bits up for soup...I've always got a bag of these in the freezer, just ready to grab.

Slinky_Malinky

Thanks everyone, no more leek tops will be thrown away in this house! :T

Trinny

Hello

I use the whole leek - tops included - its a waste to throw the green bit away as sometimes its half the size of the leek. I would chop them finely and make sure they are cooked well - the green has a different taste which we like. It also means that if you are using a leek - it can last two meals if you chop the green for one meal and the white for another. Its the same for the outer leaves of the cauliflower - I cook em like cabbage - OH is none the wiser - and it eeks out the veg for an extra meal.

Best Wishes

Trin

jexygirl

I think in Gordon Ramsays Autobiog (yep I was sad enough to read it when i spotted it in a charity shop!) he refers to leeks as:

The bottom (whitest bit ) is for customers
The middle is for soup
and the top is for staff meals!

I think the staff get the best bit, and its great in soups and stocks imho.
Jex

Reverbe

Hope so.:rolleyes: Put some in my last batch of HM soup and just put some in another...