Grits with Ramps

By CheeseDiva

Ingredients

• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 1/4 cups quick-cooking grits
• 12 oz. white cheddar, grated
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• 4 cloves garlic, mashed to a paste with 1 tsp. kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 12 oz. ramps, trimmed
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 bay leaf

Preparation

Step 1

1. Bring 5 cups salted water to a boil in a 4-qt. saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in grits; reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, half-and-half, butter, cayenne, garlic paste, and season with salt and pepper. Pour grits onto a serving platter.

2. Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill ramps in 2 batches until leaves are wilted and ramps are tender and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Place over grits, drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.