Did you know that you can eat leek greens?? No need to throw the greens in the trash! They are totally edible and I’ve shared my recipe for Sautéed Leek Greens with Apples and Bacon below along with a few other recipe ideas.
I’m a big fan of raising independent kids who love food. I think allowing them to help in the kitchen ‘kills two birds with one stone.’ My son is a pretty picker eater right now but he loves helping me in the kitchen. I want to encourage this self-reliance so letting him help wash the leeks for this recipe was a no-brainer. Tyler is currently a picky eater but I’m hoping that by letting him help in the kitchen will teach him how to cook and encourage a love of healthy food just like his parents. The kitchen and kid were filled with water (toddlers can’t NOT splash when they see water) but it was totally worth it! Now back to the recipe . . .
What part of a leek is edible?
Most recipes use only the white part of the leek however the green top is also edible. It’s a bit tougher and has a stronger onion flavor than its white counterpart. It’s just as delicious and tastes great with apples and bacon.
What do you do with the green part of leeks?
First, you should try making this Sautéed Leek Greens with Apples and Bacon recipe. If you need other ideas try adding them to your homemade bone broth or add them to an omelet (eggs are an AIP reintroduction).
Why are leeks so dirty?
Leeks grow in the dirt like onions. The white parts are the part that’s hidden underground so dirt seems to make it’s way into ever crevice of the leek.
How do you prepare leeks?
You need to slice according to your recipe and then clean them really well. Nothing ruins a dish like chomping down on sand or dirt! If you’re looking for instructions on How to Clean Leeks click here. It’s got step-by-step instructions plus a video.
How do you make Sautéed Leek Greens with Apples and Bacon
Add bacon to a large sauté pan over high heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes, flipping half way through. Remove the bacon and set aside.
Next add the leek greens to the pan. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes, while string occasionally.
Then add the apples, salt, thyme and garlic powder then continue cooking and stirring until the apples are warmed through, another 3 minutes.
Once finished, transfer to a serving dish. Crumble the bacon over the top of the dish to serve.
Tips for making the best Sautéed Leek Greens with Apples and Bacon
- Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly using this method.
- This recipe moves quickly so have all your ingredients ready to go.
- This dish goes well as a side with a juicy pork chop or steak.
If you like this Sautéed Leek Greens with Apples and Bacon recipe, you’ll love these recipes using leeks.
- Braised Chicken and Leeks
- Creamed Leeks Without Cream (dairy free)
- Sautéed Shrimp and Leeks
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Sauteed Leek Green with Apple and Bacon
Ingredients
- 3 Leek Greens washed thoroughly and chopped
- 3 slices Bacon make sure to get high quality, sugar free from a brand like Pederson’s or US Wellness Meats
- 1 Apple peeled and finely diced
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder My favorite is Simply Organics!
Instructions
- Add bacon to a large sauté pan over high heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes, flipping half way through. Remove the bacon and set aside.
- Next add the leek greens to the pan. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes, while string occasionally.
- Then add the apples, salt, thyme and garlic powder then continue cooking and stirring until the apples are warmed through, another 3 minutes.
- Once finished, transfer to a serving dish.
Crumble the bacon over the top of the dish to serve.
Notes
- Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly using this method.
- This recipe moves quickly so have all your ingredients ready to go.
- This dish goes well as a side with a juicy pork chop or steak.
Nutrition
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
- I always use Himalayan sea salt or Celtic sea salt, unless otherwise noted.
- The majority of my recipes are strict AIP or include notations for reintroductions. However while I make every effort to label non-AIP ingredients and recipes sometimes they slip past me. If you have questions, please ask in advance.
Did you make this recipe? I love hearing your thoughts on my recipes so please rate and comment below.
Love this recipe! Hubby made it for me tonight and it was delicious! The leeks combined with the bacon and apple had a wonderfully balanced fall-like flavor. This will definitely be in our regular rotation this fall