Are you looking for a fresh and exciting twist to your usual culinary adventures? Garlic scape pesto might just be the vibrant green addition your recipes need. Garlic scapes are the elegant, curly green shoots that grow from the garlic bulb, offering a milder taste than traditional garlic cloves. With their unique flavor profile, they make an exceptional base for a variety of dishes, but perhaps most popularly, in pesto.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand what garlic scapes are. These are the flowering stalks of garlic plants, which, if left on the plant, would produce bulbils that can be planted to grow more garlic. Gardeners typically remove these scapes to encourage the growth of larger bulbs, but these tender shoots are entirely edible and packed with flavor.
- They have a bright, green garlic flavor, milder than the bulbs.
- When harvested young, scapes are tender and can be eaten raw or cooked.
- If left to grow, they become woody and are less palatable.
Ingredients for Garlic Scape Pesto
Garlic scape pesto requires very few ingredients, making it a simple yet profound addition to your pantry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic Scapes | 1 cup, chopped |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1⁄2 cup, grated |
| Pine Nuts or Almonds | 1⁄4 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1⁄3 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
How to Make Garlic Scape Pesto
Making pesto is an art that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary delight. Here’s how you can make your own garlic scape pesto:
- Preparation: Rinse the garlic scapes, cut off the tough ends, and chop into 1-inch pieces.
- Pulse the Scapes: Place the chopped scapes in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
- Add Nuts: Add your choice of pine nuts or almonds to the processor and pulse until the mixture starts to form a rough paste.
- Cheese and Oil: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stream in the olive oil with the machine running until you get a smooth consistency.
- Season: Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Adjust: If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil or a splash of water to thin it out.
💡 Note: For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seeds or pepitas instead of pine nuts or almonds.
Using Garlic Scape Pesto in Your Cooking
Garlic scape pesto isn’t just for pasta; its versatility is what makes it so special:
- Pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta and some pasta water for a quick meal.
- Spread: Use it as a spread on sandwiches or toast for a flavor boost.
- Dip: Mix it with yogurt or sour cream for a unique dip.
- Dressing: Thin with vinegar or lemon juice and olive oil to create a salad dressing.
- Marinade: Use it to marinate meats or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Preserving Garlic Scape Pesto
Once you’ve made your batch of garlic scape pesto, you’ll want to preserve it to enjoy throughout the year:
- Refrigeration: Store it in an airtight container, with a layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation, for up to a week.
- Freezing:
- Pour the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze it.
- Transfer the pesto cubes to freezer bags or containers once solid.
- Store for up to 6 months.
🌟 Note: Ice cube trays are a convenient way to portion out pesto for single servings or for quick thawing.
Your journey into the world of garlic scape pesto not only adds a new tool to your culinary repertoire but also supports local agriculture by utilizing a product that is often discarded. It's a small step towards sustainability in your kitchen. By now, you have the knowledge to make, use, and preserve garlic scape pesto, opening up a world of flavors and possibilities. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful green sauce and let it inspire your dishes in ways you've never imagined before!
What can I use if I don’t have garlic scapes?
+
Traditional garlic cloves can be used as a substitute, but use them in smaller quantities due to their stronger flavor. You can also try young garlic shoots or ramps for a similar flavor profile.
Can garlic scape pesto be made vegan?
+
Yes, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for that cheesy flavor, and ensure the pine nuts or almonds are not processed in facilities that handle non-vegan products.
How long does garlic scape pesto last in the fridge?
+
Garlic scape pesto can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container with a layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.
