Recipe for ramson pesto with almonds

For us, ramson pesto with almonds is a recurring feature on the dining table during the spring months. During these months, the forest floor is covered in a green carpet with the characteristic scent of ramsons, and then you just have to pick them. 

Green pesto with ramsons

Recipe for ramson pesto with almonds is based on this basic recipe for green pesto. Ramsons replace basil, and the pesto is made without garlic, as ramsons have a strong onion flavor. If you find the flavor of ramsons too strong, you can replace half of it with other herbs such as parsley or basil. In addition, almonds are used here instead of pine nuts and cashews. You can choose which nuts or seeds you use for the recipe. 

TIP: try too red pesto recipe or grilled carrots with rustic pesto

Nordic pesto

Ramson pesto is often called a "Nordic pesto" because basil and garlic are replaced with the leaves of the Nordic onion plants. If you want to make a truly Nordic pesto, you can choose to replace almonds with sunflower seeds and parmesan with West Sea cheese. Lovely Nordic ingredients that go perfectly with the self-picked ramsons. 

How do you pick ramsons?

Wild garlic is easy to pick, and can be found in many Danish forests that have moist soil and shade. Here, the green bulbs appear in March, sometimes as early as the end of February. When you go hunting for wild garlic, be careful not to confuse wild garlic with lily of the valley, which is very poisonous. You can easily tell them apart if you use your sense of smell. Wild garlic should smell strongly of onions (like spring onions or chives), and you can take a leaf and rub it between your fingers if you are in doubt. It is also a good idea to walk a little away from the paths, so that you avoid dogs, cars and so on.