Ramp Pesto Pasta

Ramp Pesto Pasta

  • 4 ounces ramp greens (about a fistful)
  • Salted water
  • Ice water
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid
  • 2 ramp bulbs and stalks (save or pickle the rest)
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino
  • Salt
  • Pecorino and lemon wedges for garnish

Blanch greens from 4 ounces ramps (about a fistful) in a large pot of boiling salted water until wilted, about 10 seconds. Let cool in ice water; drain and squeeze out liquid. Return pot of water to a boil and cook 12 ounces spaghetti, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, coarsely chop 2 ramp bulbs and stalks (save or pickle the rest) and 1/4 cup toasted walnuts in a food processor. Add ramp greens, 1/3 cup olive oil, and 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino; process to a coarse paste. Season with salt.

Toss spaghetti and 1/2 cup cooking liquid with pesto, adding more cooking liquid as needed until pesto coats pasta. Serve topped with more Pecorino and with lemon wedges.

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