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Easy Homemade Pickled Ramps Recipe with Coriander and Chili Seasoning

Easy Homemade Pickled Ramps Recipe with Coriander and Chili Seasoning

Discover the art of making pickled ramps, the wild leeks that herald the arrival of spring. This quick and easy recipe transforms these fleeting treasures into a tangy, flavorful condiment that captures the essence of the season.

The Magic of Ramps

Ramps, nature’s gift to food enthusiasts, burst onto the scene just when we’ve grown weary of winter’s root vegetables. These wild leeks bring a punch of fresh, garlicky flavor that chefs and home cooks alike clamor for during their brief season.

Once a closely guarded secret of foragers, ramps are now more accessible at farmers’ markets and specialty stores. But their season remains short, making preservation methods like pickling all the more valuable.

Versatility in a Jar

While ramps shine in various preparations – roasted, grilled, or pureed into pesto – pickling offers a way to extend their lifespan and enjoy their unique flavor long after the season ends. This recipe focuses on the tender white bulbs, transforming them into zesty pickles that complement a wide range of dishes.

A Recipe Refined

This pickling method has been honed over time, striking a perfect balance between the natural funkiness of ramps and a carefully crafted brine. The addition of coriander seeds, black peppercorns, and a touch of chili flakes creates a complex flavor profile that enhances the ramps’ inherent qualities.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pickling salt (or any other fine grain salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound ramps, washed, bases trimmed, greens removed, and dried

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the rice wine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
  2. Take a clean pint jar and add the coriander seeds, peppercorns, chili flakes, and bay leaf to the bottom. This spice blend will infuse the pickles with a complex, aromatic flavor.
  3. Carefully pack the trimmed ramps into the jar, arranging them so they fit snugly but aren’t crushed.
  4. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the ramps, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
  5. Gently tap the jar on a countertop to release any trapped air bubbles. If needed, add more of the pickling liquid to maintain the proper level.
  6. Wipe the rim of the jar clean, then apply a clean lid and ring, securing it firmly but not overtightening.
  7. Allow the jar to cool at room temperature for about an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator.
  8. For best results, let the ramps pickle for at least a week before sampling. This allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.

Tips for Ramp Success

  • When shopping for ramps, buy more than you think you’ll need. Their short season means it’s better to have extra than to wish you’d purchased more.
  • Thoroughly clean your ramps in several changes of cold water. Their wild nature means they often come with a bit of grit that needs removing.
  • Don’t discard the leafy green tops! They’re delicious sautéed as a side dish or processed into a vibrant, oniony pesto.

Serving Suggestions

These pickled ramps are incredibly versatile. Try them chopped and sprinkled over a creamy potato salad, tucked into a grilled cheese sandwich, or served alongside rich, fatty meats as a bright counterpoint. They also make an excellent addition to a charcuterie board or as a zesty garnish for Bloody Marys.

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 30
Total Fat 0g
Sodium 150mg
Total Carbohydrates 7g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 6g
Protein 0g

Preserving Spring’s Bounty

By pickling ramps, you’re not just creating a delicious condiment – you’re capturing a fleeting moment of the season. Each jar holds within it the promise of spring, ready to be opened and enjoyed whenever you need a burst of bright, garlicky flavor.

Whether you’re a longtime ramp enthusiast or trying them for the first time, this pickling recipe offers an excellent way to explore and preserve these beloved wild leeks. Happy pickling, and may your spring be filled with the wonderful flavor of ramps!

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