I have really been enjoying the ramps, aka wild leeks, this spring and and up next is this ramp pasta done carbonara style. Carbonara is a simple pasta that traditionally consists of bacon, eggs, pecorino romano and pepper. The basic idea behind the carbanara pasta is that you cook the bacon in a pan, add the noodles and then pour the noodles into the egg and cheese mixture where the egg is ‘cooked’ and the cheese melts. Of course there are a lot of variations of this recipe and I often like to add seasonal ingredients like asparagus or zucchini and this time I added some wild leeks. I sauted the bottom white part of the ramps in the bacon grease and I mixed in the sliced green parts then I assembled the pasta at the end. I have to say that this is a truly amazing way to enjoy some of springs bounty!
Ramp Carbonara
This carbonara style pasta highlights Springs ramps or wild leeks.
ingredients
- 1/2 pound pasta (gluten free for gluten free)
- 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 bunch ramps (aka wild leeks), cleaned and the white parts chopped and the green parts sliced thinly
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pecorino romano or parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
- pepper to taste
directions
- Start cooking the pasta as directed on the package.
- Cook the bacon in a pan and set aside reserving a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the white parts of the ramps to the pan and saute for a minute.
- Mix the egg yolks, heavy cream and parmigiano reggiano in a large bowl.
- Drain the cooked pasta reserving some of the water.
- Mix the pasta, bacon and the white and green parts of the ramps into the egg mixture adding pasta water as needed and season with pepper to taste.
- Serve garnished with grated parmigiano reggiano.
One of Ottawa's Real Foodies says
Being a bit of a ramp enthusiast, I was happy to be reading about your Ramp Carbonara! That is one very delicious looking dish. Where did you get your ramps? Are they hard to find in Toronto?
Kevin says
One of Ottawa's Real Foodies: I can usually find them at the farmers markets but regular grocery store never get them in.
Claire M. says
Carbonara is my favorite pasta dish 🙂
Claire M.
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
Beautriful and so palatable!
Cheers,
Rosa
Foodycat says
What a great dish! If only I could get the ramps.
I put a link to your fantastic jalapeno popper dip on my blog, hope you don't mind.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
A wonderful pasta recipe is always a gift, so thank you for this. I adore leeks but never heard of ramps!
Mary
Joanne says
What a fun way to use ramps! I've made your zucchini carbonara before and it was to die for, so I can only imagine how good this is!
Kelly says
I have yet to spy ramps at my farmers' market. I definitely need to keep my eyes out as I love how you've combined them with one of my favorite pasta dishes.
Anonymous says
Mmm crazy good looking!
Gloria says
Love carbonara look delicious Kevin! gloria
~Bee says
Mmm I love carbonara, I never get too fancy with it though. This looks lovely 🙂
Claudia says
Inspired – I love adding greens to carbonara.
One-Butt-Kitchen says
It looks heavenly. And I do love me some Carbonara! 🙂
NOS Canisters says
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Saee Koranne-Khandekar says
That looks simple and delicious–perfect for the summer!
Dylana Suarez says
This looks so delicious!
xoxo,
colormenana.blogspot.com
Jenn@slim-shoppin says
I'm so glad you've highlighted recipes using ramps. I got some last year from the farmers market and I had really no idea how to use them. Thanks Kevin!
Bitchy Bartender says
Why is this tagged "vegetarian"? lol
Jeannie says
You don’t add in the bacon in the recipe.