Ramps, ramps, ramps. It’s April and all we’ll hear about are ramps for the next 3 weeks. I do have some Spring garlic behind the greenhouse that are the perfect size and look just like ramps. Paired with peas and potatoes and the freshest eggs, there is no doubt it’s Spring. Just much later than expected this year.
These photos above are exactly what I want for my cookbook. They have to work four to a page, so I have kept them very simple. The potatoes and peas are just when they finished braising and they’re ready for the eggs.
Most of this went to NYC with Lewis but my piece was sublime. I brought the olive oil down to a reasonable dietary amount (traditional recipes call for 1 cup oil). The oil does create the most luscious and succulent egg dish you’ve ever had, hence it’s popularity. Keep as much in as will allow only mild feelings of guilt.
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced, ⅛-inch thick, crosswise
- 2 large shallots, sliced, ⅛-inch thick, crosswise
- 5 Spring garlic, thinly sliced, 6 cloves roasted garlic, or 3 scallions
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo dried red pepper, divided
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 8 eggs, from pastured chickens, lightly beaten
- 4 ounces Manchego cheese, grated
- Preheat oven to 425 F with the rack placed in the upper third position.
- Place the oil, potatoes, shallots, Spring garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper in a 12-inch skillet and simmer, covered over medium heat. Turn every five minutes. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the peas, cover and cook an additional 3 minutes.
- Add eggs, the remaining salt, two pepper, and cheese.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the center is set and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow the tortilla to sit for 5 minutes, Serve hot or at room temperature.
The soil is drying out, at least in my south-facing beds. Peony tips are up, daffodils are blooming profusely, and the pear tree is covered in a glorious array of pearly white flowers. Oh, and the cherry blossoms!!!
-Sheila
Haha
Guess what came in the mail right after I posted this! I’d forgotten I ordered ramps last December. Now to pick a perfect shady spot in the garden for them.
