Leeks

Although similar in taste to onions, leeks have a subtle earthy flavor all their own. They are used in many kinds of soups either by themselves or along with other vegetables.

Leeks vary considerably in price from season to season, so if you get to the market and find they’re outrageously expensive, substitute onions or make a different soup.

To tell if leeks are fresh, look at the greens, especially the upper part where they’ve been trimmed. The greens should be fairly stiff and bright green. Avoid leeks whose greens are limp or gray.