Ramsons or wild garlic leaves are a delicious addition to all sorts of foods where a hint of garlic is required. In their raw state, the leaves have a punchy flavour and can be sliced into slivers and added to salads. They mellow once cooked but still add much needed dietary greenery and a more delicate garlicky flavour to soups casseroles and curries. They are not widely available in shops but can be foraged if you know your stuff or you can buy them online from Forager. If you do get some, a great use is to make them into a simple pesto – you can use the leaves stalks and flowers, and the pesto, stored in the right conditions, will keep for 2 to 3 weeks. Just a spoonful can be used to give some edge to casseroles, soups, pastas, and tomatoes amongst many other things. If you don’t have access to ramsons, rocket leaves with some added garlic will produce a pesto which is an excellent substitute.
Ramsons or Rocket Pesto
Makes enough to fill a small jar (about 150g)
50g to 100g washed ramsons, include the stalks and flowers, if you have them; or the same weight of washed rocket leaves and 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
A generous pinch or two of salt flakes
75mls to 150mls of olive oil plus a little bit extra for topping up
You will also need a clean *sterilised jar
If you have a blender or food processor, whiz the ramsons or rocket and garlic together, adding enough oil in a steady stream to make a sloppy sauce. Taste the pesto and add salt flakes as necessary. Put the pesto into the sterilised jar and add a layer of oil to sit on the top of the pesto which will help it to retain its vibrant green colour. Keep the closed jar in the fridge and use it as above. It should keep well for 2 to 3 weeks, probably longer.
You could also substitute basil or parsley leaves for ramsons or rocket.
* To sterilise jars:
Preheat the oven to 120c.
Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water.
Rinse them in clean water.
Put them upside down on a clean baking tray.
Put them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Handle them with a clean cloth.
