Farmers John and Nandanie Wooten gave up cooking with onions when they began growing leeks on their land in Moloa‘a. “Anything an onion can do, leeks do better,” John Wooten said. With the added benefit of tear-free chopping, chances are
Farmers John and Nandanie Wooten gave up cooking with onions when they began growing leeks on their land in Moloa‘a.
“Anything an onion can do, leeks do better,” John Wooten said.
With the added benefit of tear-free chopping, chances are you’ll not give yellow onions a second glance.
Nandanie Wooten uses leeks generously in stir-fries. While they do look like giant green onions, the flavor is much more subtle and sweet.
This one pot meal makes a quick, light supper for hot summer days — reducing stove time to under 10 minutes.
Wash leeks thoroughly before cooking though. First remove tattered outer leaves, then slice the leeks through the center starting two inches above the root. Dirt sneaks down its sleevey folds so rinse them under running water being sure to separate the layers with your fingers.
The following recipe uses fresh turmeric, also grown on the Wooten farm. A root that looks similar to ginger, turmeric is what colors curry powder yellow. Substitute fresh turmeric for curry powder for a more exotic flavor.
One note of caution: Wear an apron when working with curry or turmeric as they make excellent “dyes.”
Aside from Sunshine Markets, the Wootens welcome what they refer to as their “home customers.” Give your order over the phone for same day pick-ups Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Order before 9 a.m. on any of the four “home customer” days to pick-up freshly harvested produce after 2:30 p.m. Minimum order is $10. Call, 823-6807.
Wooten Produce of Kaua‘i
Farm: Wooten Produce of Kaua‘i
Owners: John and Nandanie Wooten
Established: 1996
Location: Moloa‘a and Aliomanu Estates
Produce: Leeks, papayas, avocados, cilantro, eggplant, lettuce, carrots, beets, kale, char, radishes, green onions, basil, beans, bananas, jackfruit, breadfruit, tropical fruits and much more. Farming practice is organic, although the land is not certified organic.
Where to purchase: Produce available from Wooten Produce by calling
823-6807 or Papayas, Hoku Health Foods, Vim & Vigor, Kapa‘a Sunshine Market at 3 p.m. every Wednesday in the New Town Park parking lot by the bypass road, and the Kilauea Sunshire Market at 4:30 p.m. every Thursday in front of the Kilauea Gym.
Quote: “Being farmers brings us closer to nature and helps us to be more aware of the aloha spirit, the spirit of Kaua‘i .”
Stir-fry Wooten Style
Servings: 3
2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 leeks (approximately 2 cups chopped leeks)
2 cups crimini mushrooms, chopped
1 teaspoon black or yellow mustard seeds
11/2 tablespoons fresh chopped and peeled turmeric (a piece about the length of your index finger)
Salt to taste
1 cup tomatoes
1 tablespoon curry powder (optional)
8 ounces Westsoy seitan or meat of choice
Heat wok on medium. Add coconut oil, followed by mustard seeds. Stir until seeds start to pop (about 30 seconds). Add turmeric and leeks and stir until leeks wilt slightly, add mushrooms. Stir for one to two minutes adding salt to taste. Chop pre-cooked seitan or chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to vegetables. Toss in tomatoes and heat one more minute. Serve over rice, quinoa or other grain of choice.
