Ramp Infused Oil Recipes

RAMP SEA SALT

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Chop ramp leaves roughly and place them in the bowl of a food processor. Process until finely chopped, then transfer to a bowl. Add salt and mix very well.
• Spread the green, wet salt thinly on the prepared baking sheet. Allow to air dry, stirring a turning occasionally with clean hands or a spoon. Depending on the humidity it may take up to 24 hours. Once salt is completely dry, store in an airtight container.

CREAMY RAMP PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Set aside an ice-water bath in a medium bowl.
• Blanch the ramp leaves in boiling water for 15 seconds. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into the ice bath. Drain the leaves and dry on a kitchen towel. Tops should be bright and vibrant green in color.
• Add the blanched leaves to a food processor with 1/4 of the ramp bulbs and stems, plus the lemon zest and juice, the pistachios and the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Pulse to finely chop, and stream in the olive oil until the pesto comes together into a thick sauce. Taste and, if desired, add more bulbs and stems, a few at a time, then add salt to taste and pulse to combine. (Reserve the remaining bulbs and stems for use in dressings, sautéed vegetable dishes or eggs.)
• Place the ricotta or mascarpone in large mixing bowl.
• Salt the pasta water and cook pasta about 1 minute less than package directions for al dente. Just before draining, remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and add to the ricotta or mascarpone to soften and loosen the cheese. Add the ramp pesto and stir to combine. Drain pasta, add to sauce and toss to coat. Transfer pasta to a serving dish or individual bowls, and top with a generous amount of pink peppercorn.

RAMPS BRAISED IN OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• Place olive oil in a large, shallow pan with a tight-fitting lid over high heat. When oil is warm, roll a bunch of ramps in paper towels to remove excess moisture, and unwrap. Reduce heat to medium, and add ramps to pan. Toss to coat each leaf with oil. Working quickly, dry second bunch and add to oil, tossing until ramps wilt. Continue with remaining ramps, adding more oil if necessary.
• When all ramps are wilted, season to taste and reduce heat to low, then stir and cover pot. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the ramps, stirring frequently to avoid burning. When ramps are very, very tender, remove pan from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Season again if desired, and serve.