Ramp Pesto Recipes

EASY RAMP PESTO

Steps:

• Combine ramp leaves, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Process until finely chopped. With the food processor running, add olive oil and process everything until smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl and mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste.

RAMPS PESTO

Steps:

• Cut the greens off of the ramps.
• Dice the bulbs into ¼-inch pieces.
• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Have a bowl of ice water next to the stove. Drop the greens into the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Lift the greens out of the water with a strainer and plunge them immediately into the ice water. Drain and squeeze dry. If they are still moist, roll them up into a kitchen towel and twist the ends tightly to squeeze out all of the excess moisture.
• Coarsely chop the greens and set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat.
• Add the ramp bulbs, ¼ teaspoon of the salt and the pepper.
• Stir together and cook until the bulbs are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Cool to room temperature.
• Place the ramp greens and bulbs in the bowl of a food processor.
• Pulse a few times to chop them together, then process continuously for 1 minute.
• Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Process for 1 more minutes, or until the ramp mixture is very finely chopped.
• Add the pine nuts, Parmesan, remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, remaining ½ teaspoon salt and lemon juice and process until smooth.
• Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and/or lemon juice as needed.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.