Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas with Green Ramp Mojo

Servings: 10  small tostadas
The first harvest of wild-foraged ramps in the Midwest signals the end of winter (finally!) and the beginning of our short growing season. They've become more popular and are often available at specialty grocery stores.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3/4 cup peeled garlic cloves
  • 1 small bunch spring ramps (or substitute green garlic, green onions or your favorite spring onion)
  • 3/4 cup best quality olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, divided use
  • Salt
  • 1 small Fresh hot green chile to taste (serrano is great, but jalapeno works just as well), finely chopped
  • 3/4 pound cooked medium shrimp (I prefer poaching shrimp in salted boiling water for this type of dish)
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 medium Kirby cucumber, diced
  • 1 package small store-bought corn tostadas
  • Handful of cilantro leaves (or your favorite spring herb such as basil, oregano, or mint)

INSTRUCTIONS

In the bowl of a food processor, finely chop the peeled garlic cloves. With a very sharp knife, slice the ramps across the grain of the bulb—this technique will protect the delicate herbs from discoloring and oxidizing as quickly. Hold the whites and the green separately.

In a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped garlic and chopped whites of the ramps and cook over medium-low until the garlic is soft and slightly toasted, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add the chopped ramp greens, 2 tablespoons of the lime juice, salt (usually ¾ teaspoon) and green chile and let cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

If the shrimp is on the bigger side, coarsely chop it into ¼” pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, dress the cooked shrimp with the remaining lime juice and a healthy portion of the green mojo. If there’s any left, it will keep in the refrigerator for at least a month. Gently fold in the avocado and cucumber. Check the mixture for seasoning, and add a little more salt if necessary.

Spoon generous spoonfuls of the shrimp on the tostadas, garnish with the fresh herbs and serve to your guests.