Food Alphabet
Leek (pearl onion)
It is known that c. Then the leek got to the Mediterranean countries and became very popular in Greece and Rome. By the way, the Romans considered leeks to be the food of the rich. For example, in order to preserve the voice for making long speeches, it was consumed in large quantities by the Roman Emperor Nero.
In the Middle Ages, leek, on the contrary, became a favorite vegetable of the poor, because it perfectly satisfies hunger. It was then that the leek conquered Europe. However, now it is grown not only in France, Germany and England, but also in North America and Russia.
In fact, today the popularity of leeks is second only to garlic and onion-turnip. There are two types of leeks — winter and summer. The first type has short and thick stems, and the second – long and thin, although in both cases only the lower part is used for food. In winter leeks, it is boiled, stewed (sometimes with mushrooms) and served to the table, sprinkled with grated cheese on top; and in summer-cut into thin half-rings, mixed with grated apples and seasoned with olive oil.
Like onions, leeks are often added to soups, broths, and various vegetable, fish, and meat dishes (including poultry). But it is best to blanch the leeks for 10 minutes in salted boiling water, and then serve as a separate side dish. Or cut the stem lengthwise, wrap the minced meat in the leek leaves and bake it.
In general, you can prepare a huge number of salads and other dishes from leeks. Thanks to its weak taste and subtle aroma, it can even be added to the dough for pancakes! (These pancakes should be sprinkled with grated cheese and served hot.)
