Anchovies brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
leeks
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
The mildest and most delicate of the allium family — with a subtle, sweet onion flavor and a silky, tender texture when properly cooked. The foundation of Fren…
70 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Leeks (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) are organosulfur-flavored like all alliums, but their particular sulfur compound composition (different ratios of the same precursors) creates a milder, sweeter character than onions or garlic. The white and light-green sections are the primary cooking portion; the tough dark-green tops can be used in stock but are too fibrous for most preparations. Leeks must be cleaned thoroughly — dirt hides between the layers and is nearly impossible to remove once sliced. The technique: cut a deep lengthwise slit from the green end toward the root without cutting all the way through, then rinse under running water while fanning the layers. Braised leeks (split, simmered in butter and stock until fully tender) and leek vinaigrette (served at room temperature with a classic mustard vinaigrette) are the great French treatments. Vichyssoise (cold potato-leek cream soup) remains the most elegant cold soup in French cooking, its success depending on the leek's delicate sweetness against the neutral potato.
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Pairs well with
anchovies
bacon
barley
bay leaf
beef
bouillabaisse
butter, unsalted
capers
caraway
carrot
cauliflower
celery
cheese, cheddar
cheese, goat
cheese, gruyère
cheese, parmesan
chervil
chicken
chile peppers
chives
coriander
cream
crème fraîche
dill
eggs (including hard-boiled) and egg dishes
fennel
fish
garlic
lemon, juice
lovage
meats, white
mushrooms
mussels
mustard
nutmeg
oil, corn
oil, grapeseed
oil, hazelnut
oil, peanut
oil, vegetable
olive oil
onions
oregano
paprika
parsley
pasta
pepper, black
pepper, white
potatoes
rice
sage
salads
salt, kosher
sauces, romesco
scallions
sea bass
soups
soy sauce
stews
stocks, chicken
stocks, vegetable
tamari
tarragon
thyme
tomatoes and tomato sauce
truffles, black
vinaigrette
vinegar, balsamic
wine, dry white
wine, red
anchovies
Anchovies brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
bacon
Bacon adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
barley
Barley gives leeks a starchy or baked base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
bay leaf
Bay Leaf complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
beef
Beef adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
butter, unsalted
Butter brings out leeks' sweet allium softness and turns them silky, especially in soups, tarts, and braises.
capers
Capers complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
caraway
Caraway complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
carrot
Carrot complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
cauliflower
Cauliflower complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
celery
Celery adds complementary vegetable character, giving leeks more contrast in texture, sweetness, bitterness, or freshness.
cheese, cheddar
Cheese, Cheddar adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give leeks more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, goat
Cheese, Goat adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give leeks more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, gruyère
Cheese, Gruyère adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give leeks more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, parmesan
Cheese, Parmesan adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give leeks more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
chervil
Chervil adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
chicken
Chicken adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
chile peppers
Chile Peppers brings heat or sharpness that wakes up leeks's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
chives
Chives supplies an allium backbone that deepens leeks's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
coriander
Coriander adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against leeks's natural base notes.
cream
Cream adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
crème fraîche
Crème Fraîche adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
dill
Dill adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
eggs (including hard-boiled) and egg dishes
Eggs (Including Hard-Boiled) And Egg Dishes adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
fennel
Fennel adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against leeks's natural base notes.
fish
Fish brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
garlic
Garlic supplies an allium backbone that deepens leeks's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
lemon, juice
Lemon, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens leeks's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lovage
Lovage adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
meats, white
Meats, White adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
mushrooms
Mushrooms reinforces leeks's earthy side and adds umami depth, especially in richer cooked preparations.
mussels
Mussels brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
mustard
Mustard brings heat or sharpness that wakes up leeks's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
nutmeg
Nutmeg adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against leeks's natural base notes.
oil, corn
Oil, Corn adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
oil, grapeseed
Oil, Grapeseed adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
oil, hazelnut
Oil, Hazelnut adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
oil, peanut
Oil, Peanut adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
oil, vegetable
Oil, Vegetable adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
olive oil
Olive Oil adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
onions
Onions supplies an allium backbone that deepens leeks's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
oregano
Oregano adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
paprika
Paprika adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against leeks's natural base notes.
parsley
Parsley adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
pasta
Pasta gives leeks a starchy or baked base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
pepper, black
Pepper, Black brings heat or sharpness that wakes up leeks's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
pepper, white
Pepper, White brings heat or sharpness that wakes up leeks's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
potatoes
Potatoes give leeks a starchy, mellow base, creating the classic leek-and-potato soup pairing.
rice
Rice gives leeks a starchy or baked base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
sage
Sage adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
salads
Salads complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
salt, kosher
Salt, Kosher adds seasoning or sweetness that balances leeks's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
sauces, romesco
Sauces, Romesco adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
scallions
Scallions supplies an allium backbone that deepens leeks's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
sea bass
Sea Bass brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
soups
Soups adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
soy sauce
Soy Sauce adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
stews
Stews adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, Chicken adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, Vegetable adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
tamari
Tamari adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
tarragon
Tarragon adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
thyme
Thyme adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
tomatoes and tomato sauce
Tomatoes And Tomato Sauce adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
truffles, black
Truffles, Black reinforces leeks's earthy side and adds umami depth, especially in richer cooked preparations.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps leeks work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
vinegar, balsamic
Vinegar, Balsamic adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps leeks work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
wine, dry white
Wine, Dry White adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps leeks work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
wine, red
Wine, Red adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps leeks work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Bacon adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
Barley gives leeks a starchy or baked base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
Bay Leaf complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Beef adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
butter, unsalted
Butter brings out leeks' sweet allium softness and turns them silky, especially in soups, tarts, and braises.
Capers complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
caraway
Caraway complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
carrot
Carrot complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Cauliflower complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Celery adds complementary vegetable character, giving leeks more contrast in texture, sweetness, bitterness, or freshness.
Cheese, Cheddar adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give leeks more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Cheese, Goat adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give leeks more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Cheese, Gruyère adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give leeks more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Cheese, Parmesan adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give leeks more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Chervil adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Chicken adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
Chile Peppers brings heat or sharpness that wakes up leeks's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Chives supplies an allium backbone that deepens leeks's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
Coriander adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against leeks's natural base notes.
cream
Cream adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Crème Fraîche adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Dill adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
eggs (including hard-boiled) and egg dishes
Eggs (Including Hard-Boiled) And Egg Dishes adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Fennel adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against leeks's natural base notes.
Fish brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
Garlic supplies an allium backbone that deepens leeks's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
lemon, juice
Lemon, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens leeks's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
Lovage adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
meats, white
Meats, White adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
Mushrooms reinforces leeks's earthy side and adds umami depth, especially in richer cooked preparations.
Mussels brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
Mustard brings heat or sharpness that wakes up leeks's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Nutmeg adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against leeks's natural base notes.
oil, corn
Oil, Corn adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Oil, Grapeseed adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Oil, Hazelnut adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Oil, Peanut adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
oil, vegetable
Oil, Vegetable adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Olive Oil adds richness and helps carry leeks's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Onions supplies an allium backbone that deepens leeks's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
Oregano adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Paprika adds spice, warmth, or aromatic complexity that plays against leeks's natural base notes.
Parsley adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Pasta gives leeks a starchy or baked base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
Pepper, Black brings heat or sharpness that wakes up leeks's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Pepper, White brings heat or sharpness that wakes up leeks's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Potatoes give leeks a starchy, mellow base, creating the classic leek-and-potato soup pairing.
rice
Rice gives leeks a starchy or baked base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
Sage adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
salads
Salads complements leeks by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Salt, Kosher adds seasoning or sweetness that balances leeks's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
sauces, romesco
Sauces, Romesco adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
Scallions supplies an allium backbone that deepens leeks's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
sea bass
Sea Bass brings briny savory depth that contrasts with leeks's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
soups
Soups adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
Soy Sauce adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
stews
Stews adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, Chicken adds savory richness and browned depth that gives leeks more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, Vegetable adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
tamari
Tamari adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
Tarragon adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Thyme adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping leeks from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
tomatoes and tomato sauce
Tomatoes And Tomato Sauce adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps leeks integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
Truffles, Black reinforces leeks's earthy side and adds umami depth, especially in richer cooked preparations.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps leeks work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Vinegar, Balsamic adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps leeks work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
wine, dry white
Wine, Dry White adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps leeks work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
wine, red
Wine, Red adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps leeks work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.