Wild Ramps Pesto Verde
Experience the vibrant flavors of early spring with this Wild Ramps Pesto Verde. Ramps, also known as wild leeks, bring a bold, garlicky note akin to scallions but even more earthy and aromatic. Celebrated in traditional Appalachian cuisine and honored at regional festivals, ramps are more than just an ingredient; they're a herald of the changing seasons. If you can't find these seasonal gems, leeks or scallions make excellent substitutes. Perfect for those embracing low-carb diets, this pesto serves up an intensely flavorful punch in just half a cup, ideal for dressing pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or simply enjoyed as a dip.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
ramps
1/2 lb (washed, patted dry, root ends trimmed)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided use)
kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon (divided use)
black pepper
1 pinch (freshly ground)
pine nuts
1 tablespoon (toasted)
parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Prepare the ramps by separating the greens from the bulbs. Dice the bulbs into 1/4-inch pieces.
2
In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil and set up a bowl of ice water nearby. Blanch the ramp greens in the boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to the ice water to halt cooking. Allow to cool, drain, and thoroughly squeeze out any excess moisture using a kitchen towel if necessary.
3
Coarsely chop the blanched greens and set aside. In a small sauté pan, warm 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
4
Add the diced ramp bulbs, along with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until the bulbs are tender and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5
Combine the cooled ramp greens and bulbs in a food processor. Pulse the mixture several times to coarsely chop, then process continuously for about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
6
Add the toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and fresh lemon juice. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed to ensure an even texture.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice until the desired flavor balance is achieved.
8
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 1 month for extended storage. Enjoy as a dip, spread, or sauce over your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ramps?
Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are early spring vegetables with a bold, garlicky note similar to scallions but more earthy and aromatic.
What is Wild Ramps Pesto Verde?
It is a vibrant green pesto made from wild ramps, offering a punchy spring flavor perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dips.
What can I substitute for ramps if they are out of season?
If you cannot find ramps, leeks or scallions make excellent substitutes for this recipe.
Is this Wild Ramps Pesto Verde low-carb?
Yes, this pesto recipe is ideal for those embracing low-carb diets.
How long can I store this pesto in the refrigerator?
You can store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Can I freeze ramp pesto?
Yes, the pesto can be frozen for up to 1 month for extended storage.
What is the first step in preparing the ramps?
Separate the greens from the bulbs and dice the bulbs into 1/4-inch pieces.
How do I prepare the ramp greens?
Blanch the greens in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process.
Why should I blanch the ramp greens?
Blanching helps maintain the vibrant green color and halts the cooking process quickly when followed by an ice bath.
How do I dry the blanched greens?
Drain them and thoroughly squeeze out any excess moisture using a kitchen towel.
How do I cook the ramp bulbs?
Sauté the diced bulbs in olive oil with salt and pepper for about 5 minutes until tender and aromatic.
What type of oil should be used?
This recipe uses extra virgin olive oil, divided between sautéing the bulbs and blending the pesto.
What nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of toasted pine nuts.
What kind of cheese is added to the pesto?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is there lemon juice in the pesto?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice is added to provide brightness and balance the flavors.
What equipment is needed to blend the pesto?
A food processor is used to pulse and process the greens, bulbs, nuts, cheese, and oil into a smooth texture.
What is the recommended serving size?
A standard punch of flavor is found in just half a cup of this pesto.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Wild Ramps Pesto Verde is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How do I clean the ramps?
The ramps should be washed, patted dry, and have their root ends trimmed before use.
What is the texture of the finished pesto?
The pesto should be processed until it is smooth and creamy.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the pesto?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice until the desired flavor balance is achieved.
What culinary tradition is known for using ramps?
Ramps are a celebrated part of traditional Appalachian cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: ramps, olive oil, salt, pepper, pine nuts, parmesan, and lemon juice.
How much ramps do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 lb of ramps.
Can I use this pesto on sandwiches?
Yes, it makes an excellent spread for sandwiches.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for both the boiling water and the pesto mixture.
Should the ramp bulbs be cooled before blending?
Yes, remove the sautéed bulbs from the heat and let them cool to room temperature before combining with the greens.
How do I ensure an even texture in the food processor?
Stop the processor and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed during blending.
Is this a gourmet recipe?
Yes, it is often categorized as a gourmet spring dish due to the seasonal nature of the ingredients.
What flavor profile does the black pepper add?
Freshly ground black pepper adds a slight pinch of spice and depth to the sautéed bulbs.