This classic soup recipe was put together by our partner, Chefs @ School, to get pupils thinking about food and how to save it from the bin. Would you try it with your wee ones?
Leeks
Freeze? Yes
In season August-April
Store In the fridge
Great source of vitamin A, C & K
Leeks are a popular choice in the kitchen and can be used in place of onions if you need to use up any leftovers. They are part of the allium family along with onion and garlic, and are packed with nutrients.
How to store
How to store fresh leeks
Keep leeks fresh by storing them in the fridge.
Freezing leeks
Leeks can be frozen in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Storing cooked leeks
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Leeks Top tips
How to freeze and defrost
To freeze: Leeks can be frozen! Simply slice and freeze them on a tray, before popping into a sealed container.
To defrost: When you take food or drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature.
Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking or reheating.
Eating the whole food
Use the green ends of leeks the same way you would the white part. Just wash thoroughly.
Be fabulous with leftovers
Leftover fresh leeks
Leftover leeks are a great addition to a vegetable soup or a cheese sauce.
Leftover cooked leeks
You can add cooked leeks to mashed potato or use to top cottage pie.
Buying tips
Think about buying leeks loose to help you buy only what you need. This will ensure that all your food is more likely to be eaten and saved from the bin.
Think about swapping fresh leeks for chopped, frozen ones. Frozen foods last a long time in the freezer, you can use as much as you need when you need to and they can often be a cheaper option.
Perfect portions
Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.
Valuing your Leeks beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- Excellent source of vitamin A which helps vision in dim light.
- Contains high levels of flavonoids which are compounds high in antioxidants. They help protect us against diseases.
- Leeks are also rich in minerals such as calcium. This helps us build strong and healthy bones.
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!
Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Leeks
If you have leftover cooked potatoes to use, from the fridge or freezer, why not try this delicious, simple recipe from Blas y Tir.
Puff pastry transforms unappetizing left-over vegetables into a brand new dish!
