Having recently discovered wild leeks, also known as ramps, I was looking for recipes for dishes to enjoy them in. The one recipe that I kept coming across was a wild leek and shallot pesto. Since wild leeks have a taste somewhere between garlic and onions I was thinking that combining the ramps with the shallots might be a bit of an overkill but I liked the idea of a wild leek pesto. I decided to start with a basic basil pesto and I replaced half of the basil with both the bulbs and the leaves of the wild leeks. As most pestos are, this one was quick and easy to make. I always like to try new pestos out in a basic pasta dish with just the pesto and the pasta and that is what I did this time. I quite enjoyed the wild leek pesto and if you like garlic and onions like I do then you will too.
I still had enough pesto left over to make a second pasta and this time, on a whim, I decided to add some asparagus which I had a lot of. The juicy and almost sweet asparagus balanced out the the strength of the wild leek pesto really nicely creating a much more well rounded dish. I look forward to picking up some more wild leeks to enjoy while they are in season.
Wild Leek (aka Ramp) Pesto
Ramps or wild leeks, are one of the first signs of springs fresh produce and what better way to enjoy them than in a pesto that stars them!
ingredients
- 1/2 cup ramps (aka wild leeks), roots trimmed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup basil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano
directions
- Place everything in a food processor and puree.
I am so excited about this recipe! What a great idea to use ramps/leeks in a pesto! And I love that you reduced the oil down so much. Can’t wait to try it! 🙂
I simply love the colors in this dish and OMG… the items you have mixed together sound fabulous!!!
I love to have as many recipes as possible for ramps. The season is sooo short. This looks really good Kevin.
Delicious…..I love leeks!!
Mmmm, this looks SO delicious! I definitely need to look for ramps at the next farmer’s market. 🙂
Ok, Kevin, who eats all this food you cook? You are prolific in your dishes!
Mmm this looks like comfort food to me right now!
Love the extra crunch you added with the toasted pine nuts – nice touch!
My farmers market doesn’t carry ramps, but I am hoping to make it to another one that does. I am dying to try them!
WOW – That looks amazing – I just picked up some ramps this afternoon at the farmstand, and I think I’ll be making some pesto tomorrow night!
Did not know what Wild Leeks were so I did a search. Sounds like a great onion. I should look for that in store. Great dish!
This looks so beautiful and delicious! I love the toasted pine nuts!
What a lovely dish. I was sad to learn that ramps don’t grow in our part of the world (Pacific NW) so I can’t try any of the enticing recipes floating around right now. Bummer!
I love ramp pesto! This dish looks amazingly yummy 🙂
I love ramps… all the more since their season is so short! Pesto is always a great way to use up a stash of them. *yum* Your version looks excellent.
Help! I really need to cook for vegetarians on Sunday and am at a loss for a menu….. if you have any great ideas I would love for you to share! This looks yummy!
That looks delicious, Kevin. (I feel like I say that on all your posts.) Mmm!
I’m gonna have to find some of these ramps I keep hearing about! The pesto looks super.
Hmm, I have leftover leeks in my fridge. I’m going to give this a shot! It looks so tasty.
this looks so simple and delicious! like everyone else, I am dying to try ramps – I’m on a mission to find some!
Wow…have to look out for wild leeks. It looks really good!
Aren’t the wild leeks/ramps so delish? Glad you liked them – let’s hope they can be found for a couple of more weeks!
this is new to me-leek pesto.but the pasta looks so good:-)
MMMMM…Kevin: leek pesto: why haven’t I thought about that before,….???? Looks lovely!
Kevin, I was just in Toronto for a visit and thanks to a great cousin, I now have the recent LCBO Food & Drink and they have a similar wild leek pesto that I was going to try (now I just need to find some ramp here in Halifax), but I must say, I like your recipe even better.
Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.
I must look for ramps in the local market, because this is a must try recipe. Thanks for submitting to the next edition of PPN!
That looks really good!
Once again…a knock out dish and presentation!!!!
I love pesto of any kind, but especially trying new ones that veer away from the traditional basil. I still haven’t seen any ramps but you’ve given me more incentive to be on the lookout!
I want to have your dinners! Invite me over next time you make this tasty pasta 🙂
Yum this looks great!
I don’t really ever cook with leeks, I’ll have to give it a try.
we can’t go wrong with Pasta like this on the menu…nice job!
I love leeks but don’t get around to using them. What is wrong with me? this pasta dish looks fabulous!
Great idea to make a leek pesto. Very creative. Love your images.
Yum this really looks great! Your photos are always so beautiful.
Mmmm pesto! Can’t get enough.
sounds perfect! ramps are yummy 🙂
I love the idea to use leek with pasta. I enjoy trying new sauce with pasta, and I’m sure I’ll be quite happy with the result when I try this one.
Your food is always plated so pretty, Kevin! I’ll have to keep an eye out for ramps! YUM!
What a great idea! I’ve never had ramps, but I do love leeks – looks fantastic!
I see ramps in the market but I’ve never cooked with them. You’ve inspired me.
I haven’t cooked with ramps before and see them is so many seasonal recipes these days. I simply must got to the farmers’ market and pick some up. I love the idea of using them in a pesto.
This looks great. I’ll have to give it a try. thanks
What a great recipe! I love leeks and will have to try ramps!
Sounds amazing!
holywow! I'd never thought of using Leeks! Coolness, I am *so* trying this. I'll post back with some feedback when I do. Everything on your site looks wondrous!
I made this with the ramps I found in the sugarbush down the road and I must say! It was hard not to just sit down and eat just the pesto. Great recipe, thank you!
Any chance the parm could be optional? I love ramps and could find so many uses for this pesto, but just can't handle the cheese.
Connie Hatch-Feir: Yes, you can omit the cheese!