Take advantage of ramp season while it lasts! These tender wild leeks are perfect in a pesto where their pungent, spicy flavor is mellowed with toasted walnuts, good extra virgin olive oil, and a tuscan kale. Say a big hello to spring -finally!- with these garlicky greens.

I use the bulbs and the leaves because I can’t bear to waste a bit of these precious wild alliums. Bonus: ramps are loaded with phytonutrients. High in vitamins A and E, vitamins essential to healthy teeth, bones and skin, ramps are also rich in minerals, including manganese, iron and chromium. All of these vitamins and minerals contribute to a strong immune system.

Ramp and Kale Pesto

Author: Tania Van Pelt
Total Time: 20 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 bunch fresh ramps (bulbs and leaves, about 20 ramps)
1 bunch Lacinato or Tuscan kale (chopped)
⅓–½ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
1 cup walnuts (shelled, halved, toasted)
Salt & pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Wash ramps thoroughly. Like leeks they require a very thorough washing to get rid of dirt and grit.
Blanch ramps for about 10 seconds in boiling water and then immediately dunk in an ice bath. Dry ramps thoroughly.
Toast walnuts for a few minutes in the oven at 350º or in a skillet over medium heat.
Rinse the kale and remove the thicker, bottom portion of the kale stems. Coarsely chop kale.
Put the toasted walnuts, blanched ramps, and chopped kale in the bowl of a food processor. Process for 30 seconds.
Then, add 1/3 cup of olive oil and continue to process. Add more olive oil until the desired texture is established, basically until the mixture forms a creamy paste.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to a container. Use right away, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes