How to Make Ramp Pasta with Tomato and Bacon - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are a fleeting springtime delicacy with a flavor that falls somewhere between onions and garlic. They are a forager's delight, popping up for only a few weeks in the early spring before disappearing for the rest of the year. As such, many food enthusiasts eagerly anticipate ramp season and seek out ways to highlight this pungent, wild vegetable in their cooking.

One popular way to enjoy ramps is by incorporating them into pasta dishes. Their distinct f...

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Ingredients

  • 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup ramps - leaves washed, dried, and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon capers
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 4 slices bacon, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch white sugar, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Cut a small "x" into the bottom of each tomato.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add tomatoes to the boiling water. Cook for 30 seconds until skin starts to peel off. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander. Immediately immerse in the ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain, peel, and chop.
  • Combine tomatoes, ramps, capers, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a blender; blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Add bacon and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomato-ramp mixture and cook until hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of pasta water and mix to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
  • Drain penne and mix with sauce.
  • Nutrition

    630 cal.

    • Total Fat: 23g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 15mg
    • Sodium: 219mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 90g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 19g
    • Vitamin C: 14mg
    • Calcium: 48mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 517mg