Ramp Pasta with Tomato and Bacon

Try this quick and easy pasta dish whenever you can get your hands on fresh ramps. Combined with tomatoes, capers, and bacon, this pasta is a winner.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 630 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon capers
• 4 slices bacon, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 pinch white sugar, or to taste
• 1 cup ramps - leaves washed, dried, and finely chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add tomatoes to the boiling water. Cook for 30 seconds until skin starts to peel off. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander. Immediately immerse in the ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain, peel, and chop.

Step 3

Combine tomatoes, ramps, capers, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a blender; blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Add bacon and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomato-ramp mixture and cook until hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of pasta water and mix to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.

Step 5

Drain penne and mix with sauce.

Step 6

Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Cut a small "x" into the bottom of each tomato.