Spring is here! I know, I know– it was official a while back. But, it’s really official now because ramps have arrived! I look forward to ramp season every year– so much so that my husband eventually ridicules how often I mention “ramps.” Unfortunately, they’re not available for long, which forces me to fit as many ramp recipes as I can into a brief amount of time.
For the uninitiated, a ramp is actually a wild leek. Their flavor most closely resembles a cross between a green onion and garlic. While this makes them versatile, I really love allowing their unique flavor to take center stage. This pesto does just that. The wonderful garlic notes from the ramps blend well with the parsley and parmesan without overpowering them. And ramps and eggs are a heavenly match, whether scrambled (with chopped ramps) or poached, as in this version of Eggs Benedict.
There are many ways to get the most out of this pesto. It’s a fantastic sauce for pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan, add it as a topping to a rich risotto, or spread some on a toasted baguette with roasted tomatoes. As the ramp season is so short, you can make extra pesto and freeze it– it keeps well. Then, when tomatoes peak later this summer, you can bring some out and really get the best of this combination. I can’t wait!
The Recipe: Ramp Pesto
1/2 cup toasted walnuts pieces
1 cup Italian parsley (packed, then loosely chopped)
1 bunch ramps, (white and red parts only), chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
red pepper flakes, to taste
Begin by toasting the walnuts in a small frying pan for a couple of minutes until they become aromatic. Stirring and being very careful not to burn them. They don’t need to be fully toasted, just enough to bring out their nutty flavor. Remove from pan, and set aside.
Next, in a small food processor, combine the ramps, parsley, walnuts, parmesan, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of salt and cracked black pepper. Pulse the mixture for a few seconds until it is somewhat mixed. Turn the food processor on and slowly stream the olive oil through the liquid hole on top of the lid. When the pesto looks homogeneous, after a minute or two, turn off the machine and adjust seasonings, if necessary. The pesto will keep covered in the refrigerator for around 3 days. Enjoy!
I hope you all have a wonderful week! Thanks for stopping by!
Laurie
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Relishing It 
I’m not sure that I can get ramps here, but I will be on the lookout. They sound fabulous – I love leeks, onion and garlic, so they are obviously right up my alley. I’m pretty sure I’ll be dreaming about ramps tonight…
Hi Megan! Hope you had a nice Mother’s Day with your little babes. Your best bet at finding ramps would be at a Co-op or Farmer’s Market — but, hurry before they’re gone! 🙂
Yes! Finally something I think I can make, and I loved the ramps in your eggs for Easter! I am excited to give this a try! Nice work.
This look and sounds amazing! I have never had or heard of a ramp but they sound delicious! Excellent recipes.
Lovely photos, Laurie!
Can’t wait to try this, Laurie! M’m!!!
Gorgeous photos! Do you think my ramp pesto from last year is still good? I just found it in the freezer.:)
Hmm….?! 🙂
First of all – cool blog! Glad I found you 🙂 I don’t think I’ve ever seen ramps for sale here – o you think using some spring onions and some garlic will work?
Thank you — I’m glad you found me, too ;). You could certainly try the spring onion/ garlic combo. I’d use a “bunch” of onions (white/ light green parts, only) and 2-3 cloves of garlic (depending on your personal taste) and continue with the recipe. When trying to find ramps…regular supermarkets generally don’t carry them. Make sure to check at the Co-op’s and farmer’s markets. Good Luck!