Discover the delightful fusion of flavors in our Baked Ramp Custard with Ramp Relish! This exquisite dish showcases the unique taste of ramps—wild leeks that are a springtime treasure—wrapped in a creamy custard that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or elevating your next family meal, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also promises to tantalize your taste buds with its rich, savory notes. Dive into this culinary adventure and learn how to create a dish that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup ramps, cleaned and chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup ramp relish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a water bath by placing a large roasting pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water in the oven.
- Carefully clean the ramps, removing any dirt. Chop half of the ramps finely for the custard base and reserve the remaining half for the relish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten and smooth. Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped ramps, salt, and pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Grease 4 individual ramekins or a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the custard mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins.
- Carefully place the ramekins into the prepared water bath in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- While the custards are baking, prepare the ramp relish by finely chopping the reserved ramps and mixing with any additional seasonings or ingredients you prefer.
- Remove the custards from the oven and water bath. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes to set completely.
- To serve, top each custard with a generous spoonful of ramp relish. Garnish with additional chopped ramps or fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or side dish, enjoying the delicate flavors of the ramps and creamy custard.
Tips
- Selecting Ramps: When choosing ramps, look for firm, vibrant green leaves and bulbs that are free from blemishes. Fresh ramps will have a mild onion-garlic aroma, ensuring the best flavor for your custard.
- Egg Whisking: Ensure your eggs are well beaten before adding other ingredients. This helps create a smooth custard texture and ensures even cooking.
- Water Bath: The water bath technique is essential for achieving a creamy custard. It helps regulate the temperature, preventing the custard from cooking too quickly and curdling.
- Jiggly Center: When checking for doneness, remember that the custards should be slightly jiggly in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Customize the Relish: Feel free to get creative with your ramp relish! Add ingredients like lemon juice, capers, or herbs to enhance the flavor and add a personal touch.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish can be served warm as an appetizer or as a side dish. Pair it with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the custards in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them right before serving for a fresh, warm dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 27g
Cholesterol: 260mg
