5 Delicious Garlic Scapes Recipes You Must Try

Garlic scapes are not just a delicacy for gourmet chefs; they are a treasure for home cooks looking to add a fresh, vibrant twist to their meals. These curly, green shoots from the garlic plant offer a mild garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. In this post, we'll explore five mouth-watering recipes that highlight the unique taste of garlic scapes, ensuring you make the most of this seasonal ingredient.

1. Garlic Scape Pesto

Garlic scape pesto is a delightful alternative to traditional basil pesto. Here's how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup chopped garlic scapes
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Juice from half a lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Chop garlic scapes into smaller pieces for easier blending.
  2. In a food processor, blend garlic scapes, pine nuts, and cheese until finely chopped.
  3. Add olive oil gradually, blending until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
  4. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, blending briefly to combine.

🍋 Note: The lemon juice enhances the flavors, making this pesto even more vibrant.

2. Garlic Scape and Potato Soup

Combine the earthy taste of potatoes with the freshness of garlic scapes for a comforting soup:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup chopped garlic scapes
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Heat some oil in a large pot, sauté the onions until translucent.
  2. Add garlic scapes and cook until they start to soften.
  3. Add diced potatoes, vegetable stock, and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
  5. Use an immersion blender to puree soup to desired consistency.
  6. Stir in cream or milk, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Garlic Scape Stir-Fry

Take advantage of garlic scapes' crunchiness in this quick and healthy stir-fry:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 bunch garlic scapes, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1/4 cup cashews or peanuts
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
  2. Add bell pepper, carrot, and garlic scapes; stir-fry until vegetables start to soften.
  3. Stir in soy sauce and nuts, cooking for another minute or two.
  4. Season with salt if needed.

🥢 Note: You can substitute other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini for added variety.

4. Grilled Garlic Scape Skewers

Enhance your BBQ with these grilled garlic scape skewers:

• Ingredients:
  • Garlic scapes, trimmed
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: marinade (olive oil, lemon juice, herbs)
• Instructions:
  1. Thread garlic scapes onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning.
  2. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill over medium heat until charred and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. If desired, marinate the scapes beforehand for added flavor.

5. Garlic Scape and Kale Salad

For a light, healthy option, toss together:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 bunch kale, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup garlic scapes, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Massage kale with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to soften.
  2. Add garlic scapes, sunflower seeds, and feta cheese.
  3. Toss everything together and serve immediately.

The beauty of these recipes lies not only in their flavors but also in their simplicity and the subtle yet distinct taste of garlic scapes. They are a fantastic way to explore new flavors, ensure you're getting a variety of nutrients, and enjoy the seasonality of fresh produce. Whether it's blending up a unique pesto, creating a hearty soup, stir-frying for a quick meal, or grilling for a smoky taste, garlic scapes can elevate any dish.

What exactly are garlic scapes?

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Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that grow out of garlic bulbs. They are cut off to encourage the bulbs to grow larger and can be used in cooking for their mild garlic flavor.

Can you freeze garlic scapes?

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Yes, you can freeze garlic scapes. Chop them and freeze in airtight containers or zip-lock bags. They can be used directly from the freezer into soups, sauces, or stir-fries.

Are garlic scapes good for you?

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Absolutely, garlic scapes offer health benefits similar to garlic, including antibacterial properties, potential cholesterol-lowering effects, and are a good source of vitamins C, B, and E, as well as dietary fiber.