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: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 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.