Morel Mushroom & Ramp Pasta: A Missouri Foraged Spring Delight

Nothing says spring in Missouri like the thrill of the morel hunt—and this creamy, garlicky pasta celebrates the season’s finest wild flavors! At Colonial Gardens, we love helping Kansas City foragers and foodies make the most of nature’s bounty. This recipe combines wild morels (Missouri’s most coveted mushroom) with ramps (wild leeks) for a dish that’s rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying.

Foraged Morel & Ramp Pasta Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried pasta (fettuccine or tagliatelle works best)
• 1 cup fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (see foraging tips below!)
• ½ cup ramps (wild leeks), chopped (bulbs and leaves separated)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (or substitute with veg broth for a lighter version)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the foraged goods:

• Gently clean morels with a brush or rinse briefly (never soak—they’re like sponges!). Slice lengthwise.
• Separate ramp bulbs from greens; chop both.

2. Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

3. Sauté the mushrooms & ramps:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ramp bulbs and morels; sauté 4–5 mins until softened.
• Add garlic and ramp greens; cook 1 more minute.

4: Finish the sauce:

• Pour in cream and ¼ cup pasta water; simmer 2–3 mins until slightly thickened.
• Stir in Parmesan until melted.

5. Combine & serve: Toss pasta with sauce. Garnish with herbs, extra Parmesan, and cracked pepper.

Foraging Tips: Finding Morels & Ramps in Missouri

📍 Where to Hunt Morels

Morels pop up in spring (typically late March–May in KC) near:

• Dead or dying elm, ash, and apple trees
• Burned areas (after forest fires)
• River bottoms and moist woodlands

🚨 Safety First:

• Never eat raw morels—they must be cooked.
• False morels exist! Only harvest if you’re 100% sure. When in doubt, consult an expert.
• Be careful that you aren't trespassing on private land! Do not forage without the consent of a property owner.

🌿 Where to Find Ramps

Ramps (wild leeks) grow in shady, damp forests—often near:

• Sugar maple stands
• North-facing slopes
• Protected conservation areas (Missouri generally allows for foraging in its parks, but be sure to check the Department of Conservations regulations.

💡 Sustainable Harvesting:

• Take only 10% of a patch to ensure regrowth.
• Cut leaves, leave bulbs to allow plants to recover.

📚 Missouri Foraging Resources

• Missouri Department of Conservation: Morel Hunting Guide – Where, when, and how to hunt safely.

• The Great Morel: Interactive Map – Crowdsourced morel sightings.

• Midwest Foraging Book by Lisa Rose – Fantastic field guide for beginners.

Visit Colonial Gardens!

Why forage alone when you can pair your wild-harvested morels and ramps with the finest artisan pasta from Colonial Gardens? We carry a curated selection of premium pasta—perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy, earthy sauce.

🛒 Visit us today to grab:
✔️ Import-quality Italian pasta (perfect for this recipe!)
✔️ Local Missouri honey & herbs to complement your dish
✔️ Expert advice on pairing garden-fresh flavors