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Wild Leek (aka Ramp) Pesto

[heart_this] · May 20, 2009 · 49 Comments

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!

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.

Wild Leek (aka Ramp) Pesto on Spaghetti
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 on Penne with Asparagus

Wild Leek (aka Ramp) Pesto

Wild Leek (aka Ramp) Pesto

Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Servings: 1cup

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
  1. Place everything in a food processor and puree.
Use in:
Asparagus and Ramp Pesto Mac n Cheese
Ramp Pesto Omelette with Asparagus and Goat Cheese

Similar Recipes:
Fresh Pea and Mint Pesto
Asparagus Pesto on Penne
Fava Bean Pesto on Fettuccine
Garlic Scape Pesto on Fusilli with Garlic Scape Garlic Bread
Meyer Lemon Pesto and Feta Pasta with Shrimp
Asparagus and Ramp Pesto Pasta

Take a look at the Presto Pasta Nights roundup on Got No Milk.

20 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, 6 Ingredients, Food, Gluten-free, Low-carb, Main Course, Pasta, Pesto, Recipe, Vegetable, Vegetarian

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diana says

    May 21, 2009 at 12:21 am

    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! 🙂

    Reply
  2. MaryBeth says

    May 21, 2009 at 12:54 am

    I simply love the colors in this dish and OMG… the items you have mixed together sound fabulous!!!

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    May 21, 2009 at 1:12 am

    I love to have as many recipes as possible for ramps. The season is sooo short. This looks really good Kevin.

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    May 21, 2009 at 1:19 am

    Delicious…..I love leeks!!

    Reply
  5. Sara says

    May 21, 2009 at 1:22 am

    Mmmm, this looks SO delicious! I definitely need to look for ramps at the next farmer’s market. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Ninette says

    May 21, 2009 at 1:25 am

    Ok, Kevin, who eats all this food you cook? You are prolific in your dishes!

    Reply
  7. Christina says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:04 am

    Mmm this looks like comfort food to me right now!

    Love the extra crunch you added with the toasted pine nuts – nice touch!

    Reply
  8. Esi says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:18 am

    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!

    Reply
  9. Jenn Sutherland says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:19 am

    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!

    Reply
  10. Helene says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:22 am

    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!

    Reply
  11. Treehouse Chef says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:42 am

    This looks so beautiful and delicious! I love the toasted pine nuts!

    Reply
  12. Dana says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:43 am

    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!

    Reply
  13. Anonymous says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:46 am

    I love ramp pesto! This dish looks amazingly yummy 🙂

    Reply
  14. Lo says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:58 am

    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.

    Reply
  15. Liane says

    May 21, 2009 at 3:23 am

    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!

    Reply
  16. Katrina says

    May 21, 2009 at 4:15 am

    That looks delicious, Kevin. (I feel like I say that on all your posts.) Mmm!

    Reply
  17. Julie says

    May 21, 2009 at 4:19 am

    I’m gonna have to find some of these ramps I keep hearing about! The pesto looks super.

    Reply
  18. Cookin' Canuck says

    May 21, 2009 at 4:35 am

    Hmm, I have leftover leeks in my fridge. I’m going to give this a shot! It looks so tasty.

    Reply
  19. annie says

    May 21, 2009 at 6:15 am

    this looks so simple and delicious! like everyone else, I am dying to try ramps – I’m on a mission to find some!

    Reply
  20. Homecooked says

    May 21, 2009 at 7:24 am

    Wow…have to look out for wild leeks. It looks really good!

    Reply
  21. Peter M says

    May 21, 2009 at 9:13 am

    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!

    Reply
  22. Shreya says

    May 21, 2009 at 9:31 am

    this is new to me-leek pesto.but the pasta looks so good:-)

    Reply
  23. Sophie says

    May 21, 2009 at 10:30 am

    MMMMM…Kevin: leek pesto: why haven’t I thought about that before,….???? Looks lovely!

    Reply
  24. Ruth Daniels says

    May 21, 2009 at 10:53 am

    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.

    Reply
  25. kitchenetta says

    May 21, 2009 at 11:07 am

    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!

    Reply
  26. Jan says

    May 21, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    That looks really good!

    Reply
  27. Debbie says

    May 21, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    Once again…a knock out dish and presentation!!!!

    Reply
  28. Joanne says

    May 21, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    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!

    Reply
  29. Marta says

    May 21, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    I want to have your dinners! Invite me over next time you make this tasty pasta 🙂

    Reply
  30. Katie says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    Yum this looks great!

    Reply
  31. Sara @ Our Best Bites says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    I don’t really ever cook with leeks, I’ll have to give it a try.

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    May 21, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    we can’t go wrong with Pasta like this on the menu…nice job!

    Reply
  33. Maria says

    May 21, 2009 at 4:08 pm

    I love leeks but don’t get around to using them. What is wrong with me? this pasta dish looks fabulous!

    Reply
  34. Lisa says

    May 21, 2009 at 4:20 pm

    Great idea to make a leek pesto. Very creative. Love your images.

    Reply
  35. Tessa says

    May 21, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Yum this really looks great! Your photos are always so beautiful.

    Reply
  36. Anonymous says

    May 21, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    Mmmm pesto! Can’t get enough.

    Reply
  37. ttfn300 says

    May 21, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    sounds perfect! ramps are yummy 🙂

    Reply
  38. zerrin says

    May 21, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    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.

    Reply
  39. Paula says

    May 21, 2009 at 8:48 pm

    Your food is always plated so pretty, Kevin! I’ll have to keep an eye out for ramps! YUM!

    Reply
  40. Kerstin says

    May 21, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    What a great idea! I’ve never had ramps, but I do love leeks – looks fantastic!

    Reply
  41. Cathy says

    May 21, 2009 at 11:05 pm

    I see ramps in the market but I’ve never cooked with them. You’ve inspired me.

    Reply
  42. Christie's Corner says

    May 22, 2009 at 2:58 am

    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.

    Reply
  43. The Food Hunter says

    May 23, 2009 at 4:17 am

    This looks great. I’ll have to give it a try. thanks

    Reply
  44. lisa (dandysugar) says

    May 28, 2009 at 12:48 am

    What a great recipe! I love leeks and will have to try ramps!

    Reply
  45. Magic of Spice says

    May 18, 2010 at 2:21 am

    Sounds amazing!

    Reply
  46. Cinnamonbark says

    May 20, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    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!

    Reply
  47. Alaskan Odyssey says

    May 20, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    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!

    Reply
  48. Connie Hatch-Feir says

    April 24, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    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.

    Reply
  49. kevin says

    April 28, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    Connie Hatch-Feir: Yes, you can omit the cheese!

    Reply

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