This buttered leeks as the name implies is a dish made with humble leeks and butter as the main ingredients. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side to any main course. Learn how to cook leeks on the stove top with my simple step-by-step guide. I love to serve it with pan-fried cod, as an omelet filling, tossed into pasta, baked potato toppings, and many more.
Sauteed buttered Leek recipe
Leeks are such a versatile vegetable, and they make for a delicious side dish! If you've only ever used them in soups or stews, now is the time to try something new. Sautéed leeks are simple to make and only require a few ingredients.
Anyone can make this recipe, it is quick and easy to make, and no specialty is required to make this simple side dish. Sauteed leek is also referred to as buttered leeks (delectable, soft, and mouth-watering). The flavor is subtle and buttery with a hint of garlic, it literarily melts in your mouth.
Buttered leek is made by sauteing leeks in (browned) butter until they are soft and tender. Once cooked, the leeks are then seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking to create your own unique flavor. I like to keep it simple with just fresh thyme as it compliments the mellow onion flavor in the vegetable.
Love sauteed vegetables? try these recipes next, sauteed green peas, sauteed broccolini, and sauteed zucchini.
What you'll need to make buttered leeks
You will need the following ingredients to make this delicious buttery sauteed leeks.
Leeks, white and light green parts only, save the green part for soups or stock
Unsalted butter
Garlic granules: you can sub with fresh garlic or garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
How to clean leeks
I bet we can all agree that leek is a dirty vegetable, because of its many layers. Soil and other debris tend to get trapped in between the layers, making them somewhat difficult to clean.
They are one of those vegetables you must clean well before using. The good news is that it's not difficult to clean leeks, all you need is some clean running water, a large bowl, and a colander.
Here is a quick overview of how to clean it
- Rinse the leek under cold running water and remove the first outer layer.
- Cut off the root end and the dark green leaves. discard the end of the root and save the dark green parts to use in stocks or soups.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the leek into rinds or lengthwise, working with one length of leek at a time, place the layered park on a chopping board and slice thin (10cm) half moons or desired shape and thickness. Transfer the sliced veg to a large bowl
- Cover the veg with cold water, gently swash the leeks with your hand (to help release some dirt), and leave soak for 5-10 minutes. This will help to loosen and settle the dirt at the bottom of the bowl. The leeks float in a bowl of water!
- Using a strainer skimmer (spider stainer) remove the leeks into a colander, and give it one last rinse under cold running water. Shake a few times to dry off the water then use as desired.
How to make buttered leeks
Place a thick-bottomed pan on medium-high heat, when it is hot add cubed butter and cook until slightly brown.
Add the leeks to hot brown butter, reduce the heat and stir until the leek is well coated in butter.
Stir in garlic granules, salt, and black pepper and continue to cook for another 7-10 stirring occasionally until the leeks are tender.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme to the leek and stir to combine, taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly, cook for another 30 seconds then take it off the heat.
Serve and enjoy!
PS: This dish is best served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
How to store
While this dish is best served when freshly made, leftovers can definitely be repurposed for other dishes such as omelets, frittata, sandwich filling, and more.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm through.
How to serve leeks
Sauteed leek is versatile and can be enjoyed as is or used as a component in other dishes. Here are some ways you can enjoy this delicious side dish.
As a side dish: serve with fish (pan-fried cod, baked salmon in foil), or cooked chicken (Mississippi chicken, baked lemon chicken), steak, pork steak, or pork chops.
In an omelet or frittata: add some smoked salmon, chopped bacon, ham, or sausage for a heartier meal.
On toast: serve on top of your favorite bread, and add a sunny-side-up egg for extra protein.
In soup: this would be great in a creamy potato soup or chicken noodle soup.
The possibilities are endless!
Buttered Sauteed Leeks Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound leeks white and light green parts only, save the green part for soups or stock
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules sub with fresh garlic or garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice and rinse the leek clean (see bottom note for how to do this)
- Place a thick-bottomed pan on medium-high heat, when it is hot add cubed butter and cook until slightly brown.
- Add the leeks to hot brown butter, reduce the heat and stir until the leek is well coated in butter.
- Stir in garlic granules, salt, and black pepper and continue to cook for another 7-10 stirring occasionally until the leeks are soft and tender.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme to the leek and stir to combine, taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly, cook for another 30 seconds then take it off the heat. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Rinse the leek under cold running water and remove the first outer layer.
Cut off the root end and the dark green leaves. discard the end of the root and save the dark green parts to use in stocks or soups. - Using a sharp knife, cut the leek into rinds or lengthwise, working with one length of leek at a time, place the layered park on a chopping board and slice thin (10cm) half moons or desired shape and thickness. Transfer the sliced veg to a large bowl
- Cover the veg with cold water, gently swash the leeks with your hand (to help release some dirt), and leave soak for 5-10 minutes. This will help to loosen and settle the dirt at the bottom of the bowl. The leeks float in a bowl of water!
- Using a strainer skimmer (spider stainer) remove the leeks into a colander, and give it one last rinse under cold running water. Shake a few times to dry off the water then use as desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
And there you have it, a simple and delicious buttered sauteed leek recipe that you can make at home in 15 minutes. As always, if you made this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Kindly rate the recipe 5 star and leave me feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save it away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox
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