Leek recipe - sweet leek carbonara on a plate

Explore our best leek recipes to use up this sweet, onion-y veg any night of the week.

Leeks are often overlooked as a hero veg, and only used as a base for stocks, soups and stews – but as our fab range of recipes goes to show, there’s more to leeks than just leek and potato soup. 

At their best from autumn through to spring, there’s many ways to let this versatile veg sing. From creamy, indulgent sides to leeky twists on classic pastas, these are the best leek recipes to get you cooking!

Want more veggie-based inspiration? Here’s our round-up of the best beetroot recipes.

The success of this rough-and-ready tart is all in the sweating down of the leeks, garlic, thyme and butter until soft, sweet and gorgeous. Combined with chives, eggs and cheese, this gorgeous filling is wrapped in craggy filo and baked until golden and crisp. Spring lunch, go!

Leeks play a crucial role in this Greek-inspired fish dish, alongside colourful peppers and a herby orange dressing, that works beautifully with the delicate flaky fish.

Leeks and white beans provide a mellow and creamy base to these prawn, mushroom and Spanish ham skewers. Gnarly, golden and crispy; this is a riot of flavour and texture.

Watch Jamie turn a pretty regular (but delicious!) pie into something super special by blending up the gravy with watercress to make it vivid green. Try Jamie’s top tip of finely slicing the green part of the leek, while roughly clanking up the white part, to ensure even cooking. 

This veggie twist on a classic carbonara champions beautiful leeks, thyme and plenty of cracked black pepper. Taking the time to slow-cook the leeks adds amazing depth of flavour here and is so worth it. 

A lovely leeky take on the iconic Quiche Lorraine. Soft sweet leeks and smoked streaky bacon are an amazing combo in this easy leek recipe. Give it a go.

Creamy, cheesy leeks are always a winner, as this deliciously indulgent recipe goes to show. You’re welcome.

Easy, elegant and light on the washing up – what’s not to love? These fabulous fish and leek parcels are perfect for prepping ahead the day before, so all you need to do is pop them in the oven. Result!

Leeks make a fab addition to this lovely veggie lasagne. With a sumptuously rich sauce, this recipe takes a teatime staple to the next level.

No need to wait until Sunday for a roast – chicken with pancetta and leeks is a brilliant idea any day of the week!

We couldn’t leave it out, could we?! Satisfying, delicious and nutritious; this is the ultimate leek & potato soup recipe served with herby almond toasts.    

This is Jamie’s twist on the classic French version, pairing onion and leek to make a broth that’s packed full of flavour. This is simple cooking at its finest!

Hungry for more? We’ve got loads more lovely leek recipes where this came from.



FAQs

What are leeks?

Leeks are a vegetable in the allium plant family, which also includes onions, garlic and chives. They’re great used as an alternative to onions, and are especially good cooked down slowly and stirred through pasta, or served with vinegary, tangy flavours (such as the classic dish leeks vinaigrette, or as a tasty side).

When are leeks in season?

Leeks are in season from August to April.

How to prep and cook leeks

Wash leeks thoroughly, making sure to get between the layers. Roughly chop or finely slice them, then steam, boil, braise, roast, stir-fry or sauté. Leeks are often used as a base ingredient in stocks, soups and stews, along with carrots, onion and celery. The green tops of the young plant are much milder in flavour and can be shredded raw into salads.

How to store leeks

Leeks can be kept in a cool dark place, but they will keep for longer in the fridge.

What are the health benefits?

Leeks are a great source of vitamin B6, which helps our nervous system to work properly so we can touch, taste, see and smell.