Discover the vibrant flavors of homemade garlic scape pesto. Make this versatile condiment with fresh garlic scapes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and nuts, blended into a delicious sauce. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, my garlic scape pesto recipe will elevate your meals with its unique and savory taste. Try it today and experience the irresistible essence of garlic in a whole new way.
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Jump to RecipeWhat are garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that emerge from the bulbs of garlic plants. They are slender, elongated stems that grow above the ground and have a mild garlic flavor. Garlic scapes typically appear in late spring or early summer, and harvested before they fully mature and develop into flower heads.
Garlic scapes are often removed from the plant to divert energy towards the development of the garlic bulb, resulting in larger and more flavorful bulbs. The scapes used in cooking promote a unique taste and texture.
What do garlic scapes taste like?
Garlic scapes have a fresh and slightly garlicky flavor, similar to green onions or chives but with a hint of garlic. They are versatile and used in a variety of culinary applications.
Versatility of garlic scapes
Garlic scapes are used in a multitude of ways including:
- Cooking: They can be sautéed, stir-fried, or roasted as a vegetable. Garlic scapes can add a subtle garlic taste to dishes such as pasta, stir-fries, soups, and omelets.
- Pesto: Garlic scape pesto is a popular preparation. The scapes are blended with olive oil, nuts (such as pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds), Parmesan cheese, and sometimes basil, resulting in a flavorful sauce that is used as a spread, dip, or pasta sauce.
- Pickling: Garlic scapes can be pickled in vinegar, creating a tangy and crunchy condiment that can be enjoyed on its own or used to enhance salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.
- Grilling: Garlic scapes can be grilled alongside other vegetables or meat, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
- Garnish: The curly shape of garlic scapes makes them visually appealing as a garnish for various dishes, adding a touch of green and garlic aroma.
Availability of garlic scapes
Garlic scapes are a seasonal ingredient and may not be readily available year-round in all areas. However, they can be found at farmers’ markets, specialty grocery stores, or even obtained from growing your own garlic plants during their peak season. Here in central PA, I plant garlic in mid to late October and my garlic scapes are ready to harvest in mid to late June. For best flavor, harvest scapes before the end starts to flower.
How to make garlic scape pesto
You will need the following ingredients to make garlic scape pesto:
- 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making garlic scape pesto:
- Clean the garlic scapes by trimming off the tough ends and any brown spots. Chop them into small pieces, discarding the flower buds if they have formed.
- Saute the scapes in olive oil until they turn dark green/brown in color. Add nuts of choice and continue to saute until the nuts are toasted.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic scapes, basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
- With the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to add more or less oil depending on your preference.
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final blend to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning or other ingredients as needed. You can add more garlic scapes for a stronger garlic flavor, more basil for freshness, or more cheese for richness.
- Transfer pesto to a clean jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use immediately by adding the pesto to a sauté pan and heat on low. Add fresh cooked pasta and a little pasta water to create a rich creamy sauce.
Uses for garlic scape pesto
Use garlic scape pesto as a spread on bread or crackers, tossed with pasta, as a sauce for grilled vegetables or meats, or incorporate into other dishes to add a burst of garlic flavor. Enjoy experimenting with this delicious and versatile condiment! Love pesto? Check out my blog for making 3 different pestos here.
Garlic Scape Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic scapes, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (optional)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean the garlic scapes by trimming off the tough ends and any brown spots. Chop them into small pieces, discarding the flower buds if they have formed.
- Saute the scapes in a little olive oil until they turn dark green/brown in color, then add the nuts. Continue to sauté until the nuts are toasted.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic scapes, basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts).
- Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary. Add grated Parmesan cheese and pulse until combined.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. The mixture should spin freely in the processor. You may need to add more or less oil depending on your preference.
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final blend to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning or other ingredients as needed. You can add more garlic scapes for a stronger garlic flavor, more basil for freshness, or more cheese for richness.
- Once the pesto is ready, transfer it to a clean jar or container and store it in the refrigerator. Use immediately or keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can’t wait to try this.