Irresistible Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe for Summer Flavor

Garlic Scape Pesto is like a summer romance for your taste buds. Imagine the fresh, vibrant flavors of garden herbs combined with a nutty richness that dances on your palate. This isn’t just any pesto; it’s an herbaceous love letter to your spaghetti, sandwiches, and grilled veggies, making every bite sing with joy.

Picture this: you stroll through a local farmer’s market, the sun shining down, and you catch a whiff of something green and wonderful. You follow your nose only to discover garlic scapes! Those curly green beauties are not just for decoration; they’re the star of the show in my kitchen. Perfect for everything from fancy dinner parties to casual weeknight meals, Garlic Scape Pesto is here to elevate your culinary game while making you look like a gourmet chef.

Ingredients for Garlic Scape Pesto

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Garlic Scapes: These curly green stalks have a mild garlic flavor and add unique freshness to the pesto.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the pesto its savory depth; feel free to substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
• Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts enhance the nutty flavor of the pesto; walnuts can also work if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances out the richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors; adjust according to your taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Garlic Scape Pesto

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This way, you won’t be running around like a headless chicken looking for that elusive lemon.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Scapes

Rinse those garlic scapes under cold water and pat them dry. Trim off any tough ends – we’re not trying to chew on rubber bands here!

Step 3: Blend It Up

In a food processor, add the garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped but not mushy – we want texture!

Step 4: Add Olive Oil

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides occasionally because nobody likes a lazy blender.

Step 5: Season

Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Taste it like you’re judging a cooking competition – it should make you happy!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your Garlic Scape Pesto into a bowl or an airtight container if saving it for later. Serve over pasta, slather on sandwiches or use as a dip for fresh veggies.

Now grab that bowl of goodness and watch everyone fall in love with their new favorite spread! Enjoy it as an everyday staple or save it for special occasions; either way, it’s sure to become a household favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blending your garlic scapes and nuts first, creating a smooth base. While that whirls, boil your pasta so everything finishes around the same time. Toss the pesto in with the drained pasta, add olive oil last for a silky finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap pine nuts for walnuts or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for that umami kick. The world is your pesto oyster!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Garlic Scape Pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays and pop them into recipes as needed.

The first time I made Garlic Scape Pesto, my friends devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days, claiming they’d never wanted to marry a sauce before! It was a culinary love affair that left everyone wanting seconds.

FAQs :

What is Garlic Scape Pesto?

Garlic scape pesto is a vibrant and flavorful sauce made from garlic scapes, which are the flower stalks of garlic plants. These scapes are tender with a mild garlic flavor, making them perfect for blending into a fresh pesto. Typically, garlic scape pesto includes ingredients like nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. This unique twist on traditional basil pesto offers a new way to enjoy the taste of garlic while adding a delightful green hue to your dishes.

How do I store Garlic Scape Pesto?

To store garlic scape pesto, place it in an airtight container and cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation. It can be refrigerated for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing the pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning. When stored properly, garlic scape pesto retains its vibrant flavor and color for several months in the freezer.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Scape Pesto?

Absolutely! You can customize your garlic scape pesto by substituting different nuts or cheeses according to your preference. Pine nuts or walnuts are great alternatives to traditional pine nuts. If you want a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Experimenting with various oils or adding herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the taste of your garlic scape pesto.

What dishes can I use Garlic Scape Pesto in?

Garlic scape pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous dishes. Toss it with pasta for a quick meal, spread it on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables. It’s also delicious as a dip or served with crackers and bread. You can even use it as a topping for pizza or mix it into salad dressings for an extra punch of flavor.

Conclusion for Garlic Scape Pesto :

In summary, garlic scape pesto is a unique and delicious alternative to traditional pesto that highlights the subtle flavors of garlic scapes. Its versatility allows you to incorporate it into various dishes, from pasta to sandwiches. Storing options provide convenience whether you choose refrigeration or freezing methods. By experimenting with different ingredients, you can create your own signature version of this delightful sauce that will elevate your culinary creations while celebrating seasonal produce. Enjoy making and sharing this vibrant sauce!

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Garlic Scape Pesto

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 51 minute
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings (240g total) 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the vibrant, fresh flavors of Garlic Scape Pesto—an easy-to-make sauce that elevates your dishes with its nutty richness and bright color.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on a clean countertop.
2. Rinse garlic scapes under cold water and pat dry. Trim off tough ends.
3. In a food processor, combine garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped but not mushy.
4. While the food processor runs, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides as needed.
5. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined and adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Transfer the Garlic Scape Pesto to a serving bowl or airtight container for later use.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 30g
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: For a different flavor profile, try swapping pine nuts with walnuts or almonds. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors; feel free to add more if desired. Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.