Can You Freeze Leeks?

So, you’ve bought a whole load of leeks for that delicious soup you’re making. And it turns out you bought too many and you don’t know what to do with them. Can you freeze leeks? Don’t worry. Freezing leeks is easy! They’ll stay fresh and keep that great mild sweet flavour, ready to be called on when needed. So, if you like these little green marvels and you’re wondering how to store leeks for a long time, we’ve got a step by step guide. But first, let’s find out more about the unsung hero of the onion family. What are leeks? Leeks belong to the same family as onions, garlic, shallots and chives (the allium family). Long and green, with a white bulb at the end, leeks are milder than onions, with a slightly sweet taste. They make a really good addition to soups, stews, casseroles, pasta and risotto dishes, and even as a base for a creamy sauce. Their mild, sweet flavour means that they pair well with many different foods. Leek and potato? Utterly delectable. Leeks and cheese? Pure bliss. Leeks and bacon? Well, I’m salivating at the thought of it. Items you’ll need to freeze leeks Knife and cutting board – you’ll need to chop up your leeks before you freeze themBowls – get a couple of large bowls to clean your leeks before freezing themSlotted spoon – you’ll need a slotted spoon to transfer your leeks out of the bowl once washedParchment paper and a baking sheet – you’ll need these for the flash freezing stageFreezer bag or airtight container – use whichever you like, either is fineMarker pen – you’ll need to label your leeks once frozen If you want to blanch your leeks, you’ll need the following: Large saucepan – you’ll need to fill a large saucepan full of waterSaucepan lid – covering the saucepan helps the leeks to blanch quicklyBlanching basket or colander – a blanching basket will make putting the leeks in the boiling water and taking them out nice and easy. A colander would work just as well The origin of leeks This thin green gift from the gourmet gods has its roots in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Today, leeks are grown globally– the biggest producers are France, Belgium, Turkey, Indonesia and South Korea. Although they’re typically more expensive than other types of onion, their subtle sweetness, versatility and ease of preparation make them very popular with chefs and foodies all over the world. How long do leeks last in the fridge? If you’ve bought too many leeks for your recipe and you want to use them fairly soon, freezing them won’t be ideal. Instead, store them in the fridge. They’ll last between 7 and 14 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them fresh in the fridge, don’t wash them. They’ll last longer – just wash them before you cook them. When keeping them in the fridge, store them in a perforated veg bag. This will help them keep their moisture. Leeks may start to become mushy after a couple of weeks in the fridge. So, if you want to keep them fresh for this long, you may want to think about freezing them. Freezing leeks Have you ever wondered how to freeze leeks? If you want to keep your leaks for longer than 2 weeks, freezing them is a great idea. It’s relatively simple and is done in a three part process. First, wash them in water and cut them up, ready to be stored. Then you need to flash freeze them – this helps keep the moisture in the leeks. Finally, freeze them in an airtight container. See the end of this article for a step by step guide on how to freeze leeks. How to blanch leeks Before you freeze your leeks, you may want to blanch them. Blanching leeks extends their life span, giving you fresh leeks for longer. Bring a large pot of water to the boil.Place your washed and cut up leeks in a blanching basket or colander and lower them into the boiling water. Place the lid on the saucepan.Boil the leeks for about 30 seconds (no longer than one minute).Remove the leeks from the boiling water, drain them and quickly put them into a bowl of cold water. This stops them from cooking any further.If you don’t blanch them, they’ll keep their freshness for about 2 months in the freezer. If you blanch them, they’ll stay good for a whole year! Delicious leek recipes Creamed leeks – great as a side dish or even a main meal, this recipe is quick and easy as you like, and showcases just how truly tasty leeks can be.Zucchini and leek soup – make sure you don’t miss this one – a delicious and healthy soup that’s not just a winter warmer – its fresh and sooting taste can be enjoyed all year round.Chicken and leek risotto – creamy comfort food at its best, this dish takes a bit of patience, but the reward is one of the tastiest risottos around!Vegan leek and potato soup – if you like your soothing creamy soups, this rich, tasty and nicely spiced vegan recipe is a winner. And best of all, it’s so incredibly easy to make.Pork medallions with apricot and leek sauce – the pork medallions may well be the main part of this dish, but the apricot and leek sauce is just divine – it really takes this recipe to the next level and makes it extra special.Can you freeze leeks? Yes! Find out how to freeze leeks step-by-step below. Are you a fan of leeks? Do you have a favourite leek recipe? Also, do you want to know whether other foods and ingredients can be frozen? Let me know in the comments below!