Ramps Braised In Olive Oil Food

RAMPS BRAISED IN OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• Place olive oil in a large, shallow pan with a tight-fitting lid over high heat. When oil is warm, roll a bunch of ramps in paper towels to remove excess moisture, and unwrap. Reduce heat to medium, and add ramps to pan. Toss to coat each leaf with oil. Working quickly, dry second bunch and add to oil, tossing until ramps wilt. Continue with remaining ramps, adding more oil if necessary.
• When all ramps are wilted, season to taste and reduce heat to low, then stir and cover pot. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the ramps, stirring frequently to avoid burning. When ramps are very, very tender, remove pan from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Season again if desired, and serve.

BRAISED VEAL CHEEKS WITH GRILLED RAMPS AND PORCINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Season the cheeks liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. Using 2 sauté pans to avoid crowding, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in each pan over high heat. Sear the veal cheeks for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
• Transfer to a braising dish. Divide the carrots, garlic, and onion between the pans and sauté just until they get a hint of color, 2 to 3 minutes. Deglaze the pans with the wine and empty the vegetables and the wine into the braising dish with the meat. Add the water and bay leaves. Cover the dish with foil or a heavy, tight-fitting lid and braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until meltingly tender.
• Transfer the veal cheeks to a plate and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a brisk simmer. Reduce the braising liquid until it becomes a syrupy glaze and measures 1/2 cup. Add the veal cheeks to the pan and warm through in the liquid. Place 2 cheeks on each of 4 plates and spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Serve with the Grilled Ramps and Porcini.
• Preheat the grill on high or light a hot charcoal fire. Rub the ramps and mushrooms with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lay a piece of foil down on half of the grill. Place the ramps on the grill with the tops resting on top of the foil, the bulbs on the grate. Place the mushrooms, cut-side down, directly on the grill. Grill, turning frequently, until tender and browned in spots. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with the veal cheeks.