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Ramp foraging season is upon us, and it’s time to start gathering these flavorful and nutritious wild leeks from the forest floor. Not only do ramps add a delicious, garlicky flavor to any dish, but they are also packed with vitamins and minerals.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where ramps grow wild, now is the perfect time to go ramp foraging and stock up on these delicious plants. Once you have a good supply of ramps, there are countless ways to enjoy them, from simple sautés to more complex dishes. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of the best ramp recipes that will have you making the most of this tasty and versatile ingredient.
Learn more about ramp foraging sustainably and how to find and identify ramps here: The Ultimate Guide to Foraging for Ramps
Ramp Foraging Recipe Roundup
1. Ramp Pesto
This delicious pesto recipe incorporates ramps, basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/ramp-pesto
2. Ramp Fritters
When in doubt, fritter it. These crispy little delights taste bring to mind onion tempura. Club soda keeps the batter light. https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/ramp-carbonara
3. Pickled Ramps
Pickled Ramps: A simple and tangy way to preserve ramps for later use. Recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pickled-ramps
4. Ramp and Buttermilk Biscuits with Cracked Coriander
A ramp biscuit on the side? Yes, please. (These are extra-delicious stuffed with ham or smoked salmon.) Recipe: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/ramp-and-buttermilk-biscuits-with-cracked-coriander-352036
5. Cheesy Ramp Frittata
Ramp Frittata: This easy-to-make frittata features ramps and cheese. Recipe: https://queenbeehomestead.com/cheesy-ramp-frittata-recipe/
6. Bacon and Ramp Vinaigrette
Grilled ramps and bacon add a smoky flavor to this bright, oniony vinaigrette that’s wonderful drizzled over salads, swirled into soups, or spooned atop grilled meats. Recipe: https://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/bacon-and-ramp-vinaigrette/
7. Buttermilk-Fried Ramps
If you really want to celebrate ramp season, it’s hard to do better than these buttermilk-battered fried ramps. Eat them as soon as they’re cool enough to touch. Recipe: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/buttermilk-fried-ramps-56389375
8. Ramp Pesto
One of the quickest, easiest ways to cook with ramps is to make this quick pesto that highlights their garlicky onion flavor. Recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/ramp-pesto
9. Ramp Butter
Ramp butter is an easy compound butter that helps you preserve ramps during their short spring season. Recipe: https://leitesculinaria.com/110774/recipes-ramp-butter.html
10. Ramp and Goat Cheese Quiché
This quiche features ramps, goat cheese, and caramelized onions. Recipe: https://ediblevermont.ediblecommunities.com/recipes/chef-ali-wests-ramp-and-goat-cheese-quiche-recipe
11. Ramp Aioli
Garlicky ramps are the perfect base for this herby aioli. Make a batch of this to use as a dip for vegetables, potato chips or French fries, mix into a chicken salad sandwich, smear onto a sandwich, or whip into a salad dressing. Recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/ramp-aioli
12. Ramp Focaccia
This savory bread is made with ramps, rosemary, and sea salt. Recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014682-ramp-focaccia
13. Grilled Ramps
Grilling ramps enhances their sweetness and gives them a tender-crisp crunch. It’s the ideal way to cook this great wild spring vegetable. Recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/grilled-ramps-recipe
14. Bacon and Ramp Dumplings
Ramps and bacon go exceptionally well together. Here they go hand in hand inside a crisp Chinese-style dumpling. Recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/bacon-and-ramp-dumplings-recipe
15. Ramp Chimichurri
A twist on the classic Argentinean sauce, this ramp version is perfect for adding flavor to grilled meats or vegetables. Recipe: https://www.thespruceeats.com/ramp-chimichurri-sauce-recipe-2098189
16. Ramp and Ricotta Crostini:
This simple appetizer features crostini topped with ramps, ricotta cheese, and lemon zest. Recipe: https://www.mythreeseasons.com/ramp-pesto-crostini-ricotta/
17. Ramp and Potato Gratin
This cheesy gratin is made with ramps, potatoes, and gruyere cheese. Recipe: Recipe: https://winereviewonline.com/SBK_on_Ramps_and_Potato_Gratin.cfm
18. Ramp and Lemon Risotto
This creamy risotto is made with ramps, Arborio rice (risotto), dry white wine, lemon, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Recipe: https://www.thegardenofeating.org/2011/04/wild-ramp-lemon-risotto-spring-feast.html
19. Ramp Pesto Mac and Cheese
Super creamy mac and cheese is taken to new levels using fontina, mascarpone and asiago cheeses as well as homemade ramp pesto. Recipe: https://chezus.com/2009/06/01/ramp-pesto-mac-and-cheese/
20. QUINOA SALAD WITH RAMPS, PEAS AND HERBS
This salad is packed with spring ramps and herbs plus fresh snap peas, shaved fennel and pumpkin seeds for crunch. It is bright, tangy and satisfying. Recipe: https://tendingthetable.com/2017/06/01/quinoa-salad-with-ramps-peas-and-herbs/
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, ramp foraging is not only a fun and rewarding activity, but it can also lead to some truly delicious meals. The 20 recipes we’ve shared using foraged ramps are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the culinary possibilities of wild edible foods.
We encourage you to continue exploring the world of ramp foraging and wild edibles, and to check out our other recipes featuring these unique ingredients. By incorporating foraged ramps into your cooking, you’ll not only expand your palate, but also deepen your connection to the natural world around you. So, put on your hiking boots, grab a basket, and start exploring the wilds for some fresh, flavorful ramps!
Here's what's Included
The Foraging Companion is a 106 page downloadable feature-
- list of 300+ plants - information on edibility & risks
- profiles of 50+ plants with guide to identification & uses
- month by month list of plant availability
- examples of wild plants, which may be used for home treatment or first aid in the wild
- glossary of medicinal terms
Disclaimer:
The Outdoor Apothecary website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification and usage.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned on this website.
