Spring is here and so are ramps. By preserving your ramps in a jar of vinegar, you can stretch out ramp season a bit longer than usual. This recipe is inspired by Saving the Season by Kevin West.
SERVINGS: 1 Pint
Ingredients
1 pound whole ramps, or ½ pound cleaned, trimmed bulbs
1 cup white-wine vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon dry white vermouth
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
10 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
3-inch sprig thyme
1-inch sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
Clean and trim the ramps:
Use the brute force of a hose to blast the mud, grit and outside layer off the ramp clump. This tends to separate them into individual “scallionesque” bulbs and gets them right down to their tender center. Once there, trim the roots and slice off the dark green tops. (You can steam the leafy green part like spinach or make pesto with it.)
Combine the ramps with all the other ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Cover, and leave overnight at room temperature.
The next day, bring the contents of the pot back to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, pack the hot ramps into 2 sterilized ½-pint jars. Cover with the pickling liquid, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Once cool, cover and store in the refrigerator.
Makes 1 pint; Recipe can be doubled or tripled, depending on your haul
This recipe was originally published in March of 2017.
