Serves
4-6
INGREDIENTS
- 6 bunches ramps (wild leeks)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Ramp gnocchi
- 2 pc large Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 pc large egg
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour (additional flour required for rolling)
- 1-2 tbsps kosher salt
- 3 tbsps ramp puree
Ramp pesto
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan reggiano or pecorino
- 2 cups ramp leaves blanched & chopped (dried out thoroughly)
- 1/4 cup ramp whites roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pc lemon zest (or zest of one lemon)
- salt to taste
Housemade ricotta cheese
- 5 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 3 tbsps vinegar vinegar or lemon juice (or a combination of both)
- fresh chives (optional)
- lemon zest (optional)
- salt to taste
METHOD
RAMP PUREE
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Divide ramps into whites and greens.
- Blanch greens in boiling water until bright green, about 30-45 seconds. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer and run under cold water until completely chilled.
- Transfer to a blender and blend on high speed, adding additional water as required, until a smooth, bright green puree is formed.
- Set aside or preserve in mason jars for future use.
RAMP GNOCCHI
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Divide ramps into whites and greens.
- Blanch greens in boiling water until bright green, about 30-45 seconds. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer and run under cold water until completely chilled.
- Transfer to a blender and blend on high speed, adding additional water as required, until a smooth, bright green puree is formed.
- Set aside or preserve in mason jars for future use.
RAMP PESTO
Equipment required: Ricer or food mill
- Blanch and chop ramp leaves. Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until somewhat smooth, but still rustic and chunky.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
HOUSEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE
- Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Set aside.
- Pour milk into a stainless steel pot. Over low to medium low heat, slowly bring up to a simmer. Turn off hat and stir in vinegar or lemon juice. It will separate into thick parts (the cheese curds) and milky parts (the whey).
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the curd into the sieve. Let drain for 10-15 minutes until dry. The longer you let it sit, the dryer (or firmer) it will become.
- Season with salt and add whipping cream, one tbsp. at a time until you have your desired consistency. Some people like their ricotta smooth and moist, while others like to keep it fairly dry and firm. This is personal preference!