The Ramps are coming. The Ramps are coming.
I don’t mean that in a naughty way either. Alright maybe I do. So sue me, although not literally because that would suck and silly litigation is bothersome at best.
I’ve spoken at length about ramps before here, and in an effort to save you some time, I’m going to share an abbreviated version today. Ramps are the love child of Garlic and Onion. They’re magical and potent little weeds of delight, and if I were a hobbit I’d put them in my pipe and smoke ’em or at the very least, eat them for second breakfast.
While I wish ramps were available year round, their growing season is short, even more so than my own vertically challenged self and that’s saying a lot. They’re also happening right now, as in real time. Take advantage. Don’t walk, run to get yourself some ramps.
I personally had grave concerns about my own chances of scoring ramps this year in light of my farmers market taking a dive. Nature’s Bin, my beloved and local food shopping establishment, came through in the clutch though (raises right eyebrow suggestively).
They posted a picture on Instagram, casually mentioning they had ramps in stock. As soon as I saw it, I squealed with delight and started twitching like a puppy dog who’s spotted the mailman coming up the drive. I’m talking the kind of shaking where your whole body quakes with barely contained elation. Since I was working diligently at the office that day, I called the Hubby, who was at home enjoying the spoils of his school break, interrupting what I’m sure was his video game reverie.
Ring, ring. Ring, ring (my ringtone is actually K-Ci and JoJo’s All My Life but for sake of brevity and clarity we’ll stick to the standard one here).
Me: (muttering and trembling). Oh my god, Oh my god, answer the phone already.
Ring, ring.
Hubby: Hey.
Me, tripping over my own words: Nature’s Bin has ramps. Nature’s Bin has ramps. Nature’s Bin has ramps.
Hubby: Um, okay. That’s great honey.
Me: You have to go there. Please. Now.
Hubby: Um, okay.
Me: Buy them. Buy them all.
Hubby: Wait, isn’t this the thing you planted out back already?
Me: Yes, and…?
Hubby: Never mind, I’ll go.
The man is smart, I’ll give him that. He’s also the reason I have a Spinach Ramp Pesto recipe to share with you today. Thank you Hubby.
- 1/2 cup Pine Nuts
- 1 3/4 cup Spinach
- 3 Ramps, the entire stems and leaves, root ball removed.
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- 1/3 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 Lemon, the juice of
- 1 Tbsp. Cold Water*
- Add pine nuts to a food processor and pulse until they start to break down. Add the rest of the dry ingredients (spinach, ramps, cheese and salt) and process until combined, about a minute or two, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The mixture should resemble a paste. Add the olive oil and the lemon juice, processing again until ingredients are incorporated and mixture is smooth.
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- To thin the pesto, add 1 Tbsp. of cold water. Depending on the amount of liquid in your spinach and your own texture preference, this may or may not be necessary.
- To Freeze: drop spoonfuls of the pesto to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, and add to the freezer immediately. The following day, remove solid ramp pesto mounds from parchment paper, add to a freezer safe bag or container and store for up to a year.
Looking for other Ramp Recipe ideas? Try this Creamy Potato Ramp Soup.
Potato Ramp Soup with Cheddar & Chives
Looking for other Strange But Good recipes? Check out Laura’s blog here. She’s spent the past few days taking the Hubby and I around San Diego, so I’m rather fond of her, especially her shenanigans.
What’s your favorite way to use Ramps or your favorite Strange But Good pesto recipe?
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
May 8, 2015 at 11:24 AMAwwww… I’m rather fond of you too. And the hubby. And ramps, which I am now determined to find here since you said I couldn’t.
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 6:37 PMGame on. Go get rampy with it.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
May 8, 2015 at 12:18 PMLooks amazing! I want some ramps! Haven’t been able to find them though I haven’t looked far and yonder yet. Might have to make it a mission. Hope you’re having an awesome time 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Spicy Frittata with Beef Sausage and Greens
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:24 PMYes go find them. They’re worth it.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Sarah says
May 8, 2015 at 12:44 PMI’m not sure I have a favorite pesto but I’m going to have to try this one is is SO GREEN!!!
Sarah recently posted…Hunk Of Burning Love Sandwich
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:25 PMIt’s like the Hulk version of pesto. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Frances says
May 8, 2015 at 12:44 PMI have never been able to find ramps. I suspect that the fancier Whole foods has them and not the one I go to.
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:26 PMCheck your farmers markets. You’re more likely to find them there.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Lucie@FitSwissChick says
May 8, 2015 at 1:53 PMI never had ramps. Can the hubby get some for me too? I sing Sugarhill Gang to him as a payment.
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted…What happens in San Diego.
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:26 PMHe says it’s a deal.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
May 8, 2015 at 2:09 PMThis is the part where I admit that I’m not sure I’ve ever had ramps before, and where you gasp in horror and question our friendship. But I’ve been ON ramps before, so that’s something… right?
PS – FIVE DAYS!!!!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. double chocolate greek yogurt muffins .
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
May 10, 2015 at 3:28 PMurgh.
I’m not jealous.
I’m not jealous.
I’m not jealous.
…..I’m a hot potato.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…No Bake Tiramisu Cookies
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:27 PMYou should come. You can stow away in my luggage.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
danielle says
May 8, 2015 at 2:58 PMoh gurrrl, i totally started hearing horses stampeding towards me when you said, “the ramps are coming, the ramps are coming!” yes, i love it!!! i love pesto and i love ramps. mmmmmm.
side note: i got a flashback scene from interview with the vampire for some odd but amazing reason. damn i love that movie. white fangy tom cruise and french creole period vampires. yes please. and ramps. i’m sure ramps could have been in the background.
you’ve blessed me with another amazing looking recipe that is totally going in my house of cards. i love making up funky pestos with pizazz, and you’ve got all the pizazz and jazz hands a ramp lover could ask for.
my whackiest pesto involved fermented salsa plus bunches of cilantro, mint, parsley, arugula, and basil. basically every herb in the store. and seeds and nuts. and a variety of oils… i’m a friggin mad scientist, watch out world.
thinking of you and your amazing vacay, sending hugs via clouds and geese!
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:30 PMInterview with a Vampire is a classic, or at least for me. Fantastic movie and so much eye candy.
Funky pesto with pizazz is the best kind. I hope you can get your hands on some ramps.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
lindsay says
May 8, 2015 at 4:58 PMramp.. on a rump (roast). Now how’s that for your next recipe. I kid, I kid. But really, you need to change your name to seasonal eat and sassy feets.
lindsay recently posted…The Cotter Chronicles- First Edition
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:32 PMSeasonal eats and sassy feets, I like it!!
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Brittany says
May 9, 2015 at 5:52 PMThis looks SO good. I didn’t realize the flavor of these were the love child of garlic and onion!?! AKA the best two “seasoning” flavors of all time.
Brittany recently posted…Crave, Eat, Heal – Blog Tour & Giveaway
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:34 PMExactly. I couldn’t agree more.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
May 9, 2015 at 7:02 PMHello! I’ve never tried ramps but the pesto looks so fresh and healthy. What a beautiful green colour it is!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane recently posted…One-pan spicy Thai peanut chicken
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:35 PMYep, the combination of spinach and pesto make for the most vibrant color.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Tara says
May 10, 2015 at 9:36 AMIt’s so green! I can practically taste the nutrition through my screen. Though I don’t really have any idea where to find ramps, to be honest. If I were upstate at my parents’ house, I would definitely try foraging though.
Random side note: love your ringtone. Mine is Big Poppa, of course.
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:36 PMI love it. Big Pimpin’ is the ringtone for the timer on my phone. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Juli@1000lovelythings says
May 10, 2015 at 11:01 AMI could totally spoon this. Seriously.
Juli@1000lovelythings recently posted…Homemade Triple Almond and Chocolate CLIF BARS
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:37 PMI knew you would love it, my wild garlic friend.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
May 10, 2015 at 3:29 PMSeriously I am so excited to visit Cleveland to EAT and buy new pants. (newer ones).
Oh and see you too.
I’m making Don’t be tardy for the party my ringtone for you.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…No Bake Tiramisu Cookies
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:38 PMI can’t wait for you to visit Cleveland too. Breadsmith here we come.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
May 10, 2015 at 5:21 PMI love ramps in frittata, but I bet I’d love them in pesto too. If only I could get my hands on some!
Chelsea @ Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen recently posted…Sunbutter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:38 PMI’ll meet you at the border and bring you some. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Kristy @ She Eats says
May 10, 2015 at 8:27 PMSuch a beautiful pesto Meghan! I seriously need to “ramp” up my game and get on the ramp train. Choo choo!!!
PS. I love making kale pesto. It’s a strange one but so good.
Kristy @ She Eats recently posted…Obsessed & Professed: Sparkling Rhubarb Shrub
Meghan says
May 10, 2015 at 9:40 PMAnything green and garlicky we can dip bread into is a winner in my book.
Meghan recently posted…Spinach Ramp Pesto Recipe
Kirsten says
May 16, 2015 at 11:01 AMI really need to find a source for ramps that can become a patch of ramps in my yard–and safe from Robert Barker’s thought that the edible backyard is *his* edible back yard.
The hostas are now fenced in and slowly coming back.
Looks lovely–thanks to you and hubby.
Kirsten recently posted…Spiced Cottage Cheese Chip Dip