Return to: Recipe List

Pasta with Tomato Leek Sauce Tomato, Swiss & Leek Quiche Pork Ribs in Creamy Leek Sauce Meatballs-Fennel, Leek, Apple White Fish Leeks en Papillote Chicken/Tofu with Mustardy Leeks Quick Thai Leek Soup Creamy Potato Leek Soup Potato, Leek and Tomato Lasagna Glazed Parsnips and Leeks Winter Squash with Pear Filling Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Bacon, Leek, Tomato Sandwiches

Home: Table of Contents

Online Magazine

& Cooking Club

	Capellini with Tomato Leek Sauce			Entree/One-Dish Pasta
Pasta is always a good bet for busy weeknights, and this dish is especially good, with optional garnishes to please everyone’s palette. Whole grain noodles make it an even easier choice. In case you’re just getting accustomed to whole grain pasta, capellini is a good place to start. Its thin light strands keep it from tasting heavy The notes below link to a good online source in case a whole grain version isn’t available in your locale.
	What Do I Need? Capellini (Thin Spaghetti), Garlic, Canned Tomatoes, Leeks, Shrimp or White Beans Optional Garnishes: Lemon, Parmesan, Fresh Parsley, Kalamata Olives or Olive Tapenade
			What to Serve with It: No sides necessary for this all-in-one dish, but here are options, if desired: Green Salad with Artichoke Hearts and Raisins Steamed Broccoli Plate of Carrot and Celeriac Sticks Sprinkled with Fresh Lime Juice Other: Great for Leftovers; Easy Entertaining; Kid Friendly		Hands On: 30 min Vegetarian Option
	Go To Recipe	Print Recipe

	Sun-Dried Tomato, Swiss and Leek Quiche			Entree/One-Dish
Although quiche has “relaxing weekend brunch” written all over it, it can also be a quick weeknight meal with a store-bought crust and the Time Saver tip in the notes. Whole wheat crusts are easy to find at health food stores these days.
	What Do I Need? Leeks, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Eggs, Milk, Swiss Cheese, Frozen Whole Wheat Pie Crust
			What to Serve with It: No sides necessary with this all-in-one dish, but here are options, if desired: Green Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Julienned Carrots Plate of Orange Wedges Pacific Foods Roasted Red Pepper Soup (or other prepared tomato soup) Sauteed Chard Other: Easy Entertaining: Great for Leftovers (especially for transporting to work or school)		Hands On: 25 min Baking: 45-60 min
	Go To Recipe	Print Recipe

	Country-Style Pork Ribs in Creamy Leek Sauce			Entree/Meat
Although the cooking time for this recipe is long, there is very little hands-on time, making it perfect for cold weekends when you’re puttering around the house and can just give the ribs an occasional stir and flip. The recipe calls for country style ribs which are the meatiest kind of ribs. In fact, they look more like pork chops than ribs.
	What Do I Need? Pork Ribs, Whole Cloves, Milk, Leeks, Sherry Wine
			What to Serve with It: Red Cabbage Slaw with Raisins and Celery Steamed Kale Roasted Potatoes Brown Basmati Rice Other: Easy Entertaining (but if doubling, cook each batch in separate pans)		Hands On: 25 min Simmering: 1½ - 2½ hrs
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Lamb Meatballs Braised with Fennel, Leek and Apple			Entree/Meat and Vegetables
Lamb pairs magnificently with leeks, but if none is available in your area, turkey burger makes a good substitute. If serving with rice, be sure to cook in advance.
	What Do I Need? Lamb or Turkey Burger, Onion, Zucchini, Egg, Breadcrumbs, Cilantro, Lime, Chilies
			What to Serve with It: While a starch is all that’s necessary to round out a meal, feel free to boost your vegetable intake with a simple vegetable side. Brown Basmati Rice Carrot Sticks with Orange-Cumin Yogurt Dip Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes Roasted Cauliflower Sauteed Frozen Green Beans Other: Great for Leftovers (dish actually tastes better the next day)		Hands On: 35 min Simmering: 10 min
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	White Fish with Leeks en Papillote			Entree/Fish and Vegetables
Cooking en papillote scores a lot of gourmet points, yet it is surprisingly easy. Basically, foods are just wrapped and baked “in paper” or, in French, “en papillote.” The method is almost foolproof, because the paper keeps in moisture and plenty of flavor, so be sure to consider it when you need an easy option for guests–or just an easy meal that still tastes great.
	What Do I Need? Leeks, Talapia (or Other Comparable White Fish), Carrots, Mushrooms, Lemon, Fresh Tarragon, Parchment Paper (or Aluminum Foil)
			What to Serve with It: While a starch is all that’s necessary to round out a meal, feel free to boost your vegetable intake with a simple vegetable side. Baked Delicata Squash Kale Salad with Lemon, Garlic and Dried Cranberries Sauteed Frozen Corn with Frozen Red Peppers Potato Leek Soup [[LINK]] Dessert of Canned Crushed Pineapple with Coconut Shreds Other: Great for Easy Entertaining; Kid Friendly		Hands On: 20 min Baking: 20 min.
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Chicken (or Tofu) Medallions with Mustardy Leeks			Entree/Chicken or Tofu
A fast but richly satisfying entree that is good for everyday or easy entertaining. It makes a good centerpiece for a meal. Because chicken breasts are easy to overcook, pair this entree with sides that can be done in advance, so you can give full attention to the chicken at the end.
	What Do I Need? Leeks, Chicken Breasts (or Tofu), Stoneground Mustard, Chicken or Vegetable Broth
			What to Serve with It: Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Brown Rice Frozen Mixed Vegetables with Butter Baked Apples Stuffed with Walnuts and Raisins Other: Even small amounts of leftovers make a great lunch the next day		Hands On: 20 min Vegetarian Option
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Quick Thai Leek Soup			Soup/Entree or Side
Using a high-quality readymade peanut sauce takes not only the work but the guesswork out of this soup. Leek greens are an inexpensive and easy way to get more green soups and stir-fries. .
	What Do I Need? Tofu, Leeks, Frozen Red Peppers, Vegetable Broth, Coconut Milk, Peanut Sauce, Soy Sauce Optional Garnishes: Cilantro, Lime Juice, Peanuts
			What to Serve with It: This soup has everything needed for a quick lunch. For a more substantial dinner, pair it with: Roasted Sweet Potato Fries (or just baked sweet potatoes) Rice Chips Steamed Broccoli with Toasted Sesame Oil Edamame, in Shell Other: Let your kids help with this easy dish.		Hands On: 20 min
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Creamy Potato Leek Soup			Soup/Entree or Side
Mention the word leeks and Potato Leek Soup comes to mind for most people. Certain food pairings are meant to be, which is certainly the case with potatoes and leeks and probably why this classic is so well known and loved. So when getting to know leeks, be sure to plan on having at least one batch of this soup. This version alters the classic slightly with the addition of celery and thyme.
	What Do I Need? Potatoes, Vegetable Broth, Leeks, Celery, Fresh Chives (optional)
			What to Serve with It: Serve this hearty soup as the centerpiece for a vegetarian meal, or an interesting side for a meat dish: Crunchy Salad of Shredded Beets, Carrots and Parsley Crusty Whole Grain Bread with Roasted Garlic Indian Spiced and Toasted Nuts Cabbage Slaw with Lemon and Walnut Oil Dressing Meatloaf Other: Although this soup takes a little time, be sure to double for leftovers a couple nights later.		Hands On: 35 min Sitting: 15 min
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Potato, Leek and Tomato Lasagna			Starch/Casserole Entree or Side
A simple dish of layered potato slices, sauteed leek greens and canned tomatoes, with a few easy twists for fun, from fennel seeds in the filling to a crispy gratin on top. If you’re short on time, however, substitute grated Swiss for the topping–or omit it entirely. Note that even the tough outer leek greens can be used in this dish, as long as they aren’t wilted or decayed.
	What Do I Need? Potatoes, Leek Greens, Fresh Garlic, Fennel Seeds, Canned Tomatoes, Broth, Whole Grain Breadcrumbs, Feta or Parmesan Cheese
			What to Serve with It: Use this casserole as the centerpiece for a vegetarian meal, or as a hearty side for a simple meat entree: Hamburgers Pan-Fried White Fish Steamed Broccoli Butter-Sauteed Frozen Corn Hearts of Romaine with Gorgonzola and Pecans Other: Like all great lasagnas, this one tastes better the second day, so be sure to make enough for leftovers.		Hands On: 40 min Baking, Restng: 1½ hrs.
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Glazed Parsnips and Leeks			Starch/Vegetable: Fancy Side
If you want something besides potatoes to round out a meal, try parsnips, whose taste falls midway between hearty potatoes and sweet carrots. Roasting brings out their sweetness, which then pairs nicely with the leek greens in this dish.
	What Do I Need? Leek Greens, Parsnips, Sherry Wine, Ground Ginger
			What to Serve with It: Whenever the side dish takes a little more time, keep the entree simple. Salmon Glazed with Ready-Made Teriyaki Sauce Plate of Clementine Orange Segments Feta-Stuffed Portobellos Roasted Chicken Carrot Pomegranate Salad with Asian Dressing Miso Soup		Hands On: 20 min Roasting: 25 min
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Winter Squash with Sherried Pear Filling			Starch/Side or Veg. Entree
An elegant-looking dish that is perfect for company or holiday meals–but not so time-consuming it can’t be made for a regular weekend meal. Be sure to double; it makes great leftovers for the work week.
	What Do I Need? Dumpling, Delicata or Acorn Squash; Asian or Bosc Pears; Leeks; Sherry
			What to Serve with It: Depending upon whether you’re creating a vegetarian or meat-based meal, round out the plate with: Corn Muffins White Fish or Tofu Filets with Lemon and Tarragon Steak Strips in Ready-Made Black Bean Sauce Chinese Cabbage Salad with Pumpkin Seeds Rosemary White Bean Pate & Whole Wheat Pita Wedges Buttered Frozen Green Peas Other: Easy Entertaining		Hands On: 45 min Baking: 1 to 1½ hrs
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Roasted Leek and Butternut Squash Salad			Starch/Side or Veg. Entree
This is a salad that rewards patience. Give the vegetables time to roast slowly to perfection and a perfect cold-weather salad they will make. Happily, however, patience doesn’t equate to time-consuming. Once in the oven, the vegetables require little in the way of attention, just an occasional stir.
	What Do I Need? Butternut Squash, Leeks, Broth, Fresh Garlic, Apple, Walnuts, Chili Flakes, Balsamic Vinegar, Fresh Rosemary, Lemon
			What to Serve with It: Depending upon whether you’re creating a vegetarian or meat-based meal, round out the plate with: Lamb or Pork Chops Steamed Broccoli Kale Salad Whole Wheat Rolls Polenta Squares Topped with Parmesan Cheese Other: A great dish for potlucks and holiday meals.		Hands On: 45 min Baking: 1 to 1½ hrs
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	Bacon, Leek and Tomato (or Pepper) Sandwiches			Meal in a Sandwich
Don’t forget that leeks are in season practically year round, but importantly, they’re in season at the same time as tomatoes. That makes them a perfect summer sub for lettuce in the classic BLT (since lettuce is not generally at it’s best in the heat of summer when the tomatoes begin rolling in.) Also enjoy this sandwich in winter, even if decent tomatoes are months away, by substituting frozen red pepper strips for a new seasonal classic: “The BLP.”
	What Do I Need? Bacon, Leek Greens, Tomatoes or Frozen Red Pepper Strips, Bread, Mayonnaise
			What to Serve with It: These sandwiches are a meal unto themselves, but if more is desired, here are possibilities: Plate of Apple Slices and Celery Sticks Readymade Cream of Broccoli Soup or Corn Chowder Broccoli Florets with Asian Dressing Dip Plate of Dates and Almonds Other: Let the kids help with sandwich assembly. Great for weekend lunches, too.		Hands On: 20 min Vegetarian Option
	Go to Recipe	Print Recipe

	A Week of Leeks: 7 Days, 7 Ways to Make Fast Leek Side Dishes			Vegetable Sides
Wonderfully versatile leeks take to a wide variety of treatments and flavorings, making it easy to transform them into a fast side dish. While planning your meals, don’t forget about the seven easy side dish recipes shared in “A Week of Leeks,” They are listed below with links to the actual recipe.
	What Do I Need? Mostly just leeks–remaining ingredients come primarily from the pantry

Take a Sneak Peek at this month’s recipes

for Dinner (or Lunch)?

What’s

Home About Us FAQs Contact Gift Certificate Blog Twitter/Vegetable Queen

What’s this page about? Where are the recipes?

What do the symbols mean?

Recipes range from Superfast, perfect for busy weeknights, to Weekend Cooking, when there’s time to make something special or a casserole for leftovers.

Recipes are written in easy, step-by-step format for cooks of all skill levers, but some days you may feel more or less energetic or confident. Use the skill level icon to pick recipes that fit how you feel.

Use the weather icons to choose dishes that fit the day: hot soups for the coldest days, casseroles when it’s cool enough to turn on the oven, refreshing salads for hot days, and so on.

. . . or look for “Anytime” recipes that are suitable for any weather.

Identifies main ingredients for a recipe, but not an exclusive listing. Assumes a pantry stocked with basics like salt and pepper, olive oil, garlic, basic herbs and spices, butter, milk and so on.

Indicates if a recipe is 1) vegetarian, 2) vegetarian with a meat option, or 3) a meat dish with a vegetarian option.

Monday: Microwave

Asian Style Warm Leek Salad

Great with simple meat or tofu dishes.

Tuesday: Saute

Leeks with Bacon and Fennel

Served here with Red Bean-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Wednesday: Steam

Leeks with Mustard Vinaigrette

Double the sauce to dress up a side of breaded fish; spaghetti squash on the side

Thursday: en Papillote

Leeks en Papillote with Orange and Mint

Friday: Boil

Curried Leeks with Walnuts

Served here with roasted carrots and fried tofu filets. Sauteed chicken breasts would also be good.

Saturday: Frizzle

Frizzled Leek and Roasted Pear Crostini

A nice hors d'oeuvres for happy hour, or serve as part of an easy meal, e.g., Carrot Ginger Soup (readymade by Pacific Foods) and Stir-Fried Broccoli

Sunday: Braise

Leeks au Gratin

Beautiful with Coq au Vin, the perfect Sunday meal. Either of roasted potatoes or brown rice go well with the sauce

All sides are:

Hands On: 15 to 25 min

Baking Time: Varies

or Vegetarian Option

Prep Time

Superfast . . . . .

Fast . . . . . . . .

Average . . . . . .

Weekend . . . .

10 - 20 min

20 - 30 min

30 - 45 min

45 - 60 min

Skill & Effort

Easy

Moderate

Intermediate

Advanced

Weather

Cold

Cooler

Warmer

Hot

Vegetarian/Meat Options

What Do I Need?

This page gives an overview of each recipe. For some people, this is a good way to get a feel for a dish. Is it right for your tastes? The weather? Your schedule? What you have on hand?

With this kind of information meal decisions are easier, which makes it easier to plan meals for a few days or even a week. The side dish ideas offer some starting inspiration for the rest of your meal.