Angel Hair with Ramps and Cherry Tomatoes

Needless to say, we are eating a lot of ramps around here recently.  This is one of our favorite dishes.  You don't need ramps to make this either, just use garlic and onions as a substitute.  This recipe takes no more than 20 minutes to prepare.

 If using ramps, use the whole plant and cut them in half.

 You need about 3-4 cups of cherry tomatoes.

 I used this ramp seasoning I bought at the festival.

 Click to see what is in it if you want to make your own.  Using just salt and pepper is okay too.

 Cook 1 pound of angel hair for just 2 minutes in salted water.  Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

 Pour a few tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy pot.

 Saute' the ramps and sprinkle them with the seasoning.

 Cook them until they start to brown.

 Throw in the cherry tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes start to blister.

 Add the cup of pasta water. After a couple minutes, mash them with a potato masher until they release their juices.

 Continue to cook until the sauce begins to thicken.

 Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the pasta.  Toss it to coat all of the noodles.

 Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.

 Serve with some shredded fresh basil on top.  Yum!