Delicious Ramp Butter Recipe

This recipe is everything I love: it’s simple, elevates my dishes with a pop of fresh, garlicky ramp flavor, and feels so gourmet. Plus, the zesty lemon twist perfectly balances the rich butter, making it my go-to for impressing friends at brunch.

One of my most cherished methods for capturing the ephemeral and vivid taste of spring is through ramp butter. I adore softening a cup of unsalted butter to marry with the fragrant ramps, the vibrant lemon, and the careful amount of salt and pepper that make this compound butter sing.

This concoction not only flavors a wide variety of dishes, bringing spring with it in every bite, but also serves as a vehicle for the healthy fats and vitamins that ramps offer.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter:
High in fat; imparts richness and flavor.

Ramps:
Provide a garlicky, onion flavor; wild leeks.

Lemon zest:
Imparts a bright note and a citrusy aroma.

Lemon juice:
Delivers sharp sourness; counteracts abundance.

Salt:
Improves taste; important condiment.

Black pepper:
Imparts delicate warmth; augments intricacy.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 bunch ramps, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. First, wash and dry the ramps thoroughly. Next, cut off the root ends and any tough stems.

2. Chop the ramps coarsely, using both the white bulbs and the green leaves.

3. In a small skillet, over medium heat, sauté the chopped ramps for about 2-3 minutes until they’re softened but still vibrant. Let them cool for a moment.

4. A mixing bowl holds these ingredients: butter, softened; ramps that have been sautéed; lemon zest; lemon juice; salt; and black pepper.

5. Combine everything using a fork or spatula and mix until well combined, with the mixture being smooth and cohesive.

6. Place a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work counter.

7. Spoon the ramp butter onto the sheet and form it into a log or any shape you want.

8. Wrap the butter tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, twisting the ends to seal.

9. Chill the wrapped butter in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.

10. When the ramp butter is solid, cut it into rounds and serve however you wish, keeping any uneaten portion in the fridge.

Equipment Needed

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Small skillet
4. Mixing bowl
5. Fork or spatula
6. Zester or grater (for lemon zest)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Plastic wrap or parchment paper
9. Refrigerator

FAQ

• What are ramps?Wild leeks, known as ramps, have a flavor that is reminiscent of a combination of garlic and onion.
• How do I clean ramps?Rinse ramps under cold water. Trim the root ends, and peel off any tough outer layers if necessary.
• Can I use salted butter?Certainly, but you might want to modify the salt content of the dish according to your personal taste preferences.
• How long does ramp butter last?Ramp butter can be kept in the refrigerator for as long as two weeks and in the freezer for up to six months.
• How can I use ramp butter?There are many delightful ways to use ramp butter. It is delicious spread on bread, tossed with pasta, melted over steaks, or used to flavor vegetables.
• Can I substitute ramps with another ingredient?If ramps cannot be found, scallions or garlic chives can be substituted in their place.
• Should I chop the ramps before using?Absolutely; if you’re after an ideal texture, you should mince the ramps very finely before adding them to the butter.

Substitutions and Variations

For unsalted butter: Use vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free option.
For ramps: If ramps are not available, substitute with green onions or leeks.
To obtain lime zest and juice: Use lime zest and juice to add a different citrusy twist.
When it comes to using salt, you might also consider trying sea salt or kosher salt for a different texture.
With regard to black pepper: For a less intense, more subtle appearance, substitute white pepper.

Pro Tips

1. Ramps Preparation Ensure that the ramps are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Any residual dirt can affect the flavor, so soaking them briefly in cold water and then drying with a towel is advisable.

2. Enhancing Flavor Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of finely minced garlic when sautéing the ramps for extra depth of flavor and a hint of spice.

3. Butter Variation If you prefer a richer, more complex flavor, try mixing in a small amount of finely grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of white wine during the mixing step.

4. Texture Make sure the butter is truly softened at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, homogeneous mixture. If needed, you can microwave the butter in short bursts at low power to soften it without melting.

5. Storage Tip For longer storage, once the butter is solidified, wrap the log in aluminum foil over the plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. This way, you can slice off rounds as needed without worrying about spoilage.