They're here! Gotta love this time of the season! Garlic scapes are in season!
Garlic scapes are the flower bud of a hardneck garlic plant. The bud is removed in late June to encourage the garlic bulbs to bulk up.
Scapes are surprisingly tasty and versatile to use in the kitchen; they're delicious! They taste like garlic and can be used in any recipe that calls for garlic. You can chop them into salads or use them as a topping, as you would use scallions.
They can be sauteed lightly and served over pasta or as a side dish. Excellent in salsa, stir fry, fried rice, and as a pizza topping. They can also be pickled!
My MOST favorite use-- an all-time favorite-- is garlic scape pesto. Super easy recipes below!
Basic Garlic Pesto
1 cup garlic scapes (or use 1/2 cup minced garlic)1/2 to 3/4 cup almonds, cashews, pine nuts, or sunflower meats
3/4 cup olive oil or sunflower oil
1/4 to 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (more is using minced garlic)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Grind scapes (or minced garlic) and nuts in a food processor while slowly pouring in the oil. Add salt, pepper and parmesan cheese. Process until well blended. You can blend to your desired consistency. Eat fresh or freeze for a special winter treat. Freeze into smaller portions for ease of use. Serve with chips, crackers, or use pesto as a pasta sauce or in stir fries.
Basil Garlic Pesto
1 cup garlic scapes (or use 1/2 cup minced garlic)1/2 to 3/4 cup almonds, cashews, pine nuts, or sunflower meats
3/4 cup olive oil or sunflower oil
1/4 to 1/3 cup basil leaves (more is using minced garlic instead of scapes)
1/4 to 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (more is using minced garlic)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Follow directions for basic pesto but add basil with nuts.
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Enjoy!
Our best to you,
Theresa & Dan
Theresa & Dan