Whilst browsing in my local Little Waitrose this week, I came across something that caught my eye – baby leeks!
At first glance they looked like spring onions, but when a closer look revealed their true nature, I think I might have let out a yelp of excitement.
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| How cute are these!? |
And, even better, these babies (excuse the pun!) were reduced to just 59p.
However, the price of baby leeks tends to vary between different retailers. Currently the normal selling price at Waitrose is £1.59, whereas Sainsbury’s varieties will cost you £1.70. However, you can pick up a bargain at Tesco where baby leeks cost £1.30 per pack or 2 for £2.50, or even better head to Asda and pick up a pack for £1.20 or two for £2.00.
Widely recognised as the national emblem of Wales, leeks were a winner with the Roman
Emperor Nero, who was nicknamed ‘porrophagus’, meaning “leek mouth”, after eating lots of leeks because he thought that they would aid his vocal chords.
Available all year-round, baby leeks can be pan-fried, baked, braised or roasted – take your pick. Jamie Oliver offers a mouth-watering recipe which involves roasting them with thyme – see here. I laid mine in an oven-proof dish, poured a glug of olive oil over them and roasted them for 20 minutes.
Mine were rather burnt and crisp on the ends, and so I wouldn’t cook them for so long next time – 10 minutes should do it, I think!
If you give baby leeks a go, why not let me know how it turns out? I’d love to know which recipe you decide to follow!