Garlic Scape Pesto offers a delightful twist on the traditional pesto, infusing unique flavors into your dishes. Garlic scapes, the curly, tender stems of garlic plants, are the star of this recipe. They bring a milder, more herbaceous garlic flavor compared to regular garlic cloves.
This pesto is perfect for those who love garlic but prefer a gentler taste. Easy to make, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, versatile sauce that can elevate various dishes.
Why This Recipe Works
Unique Flavor: Garlic scape pesto stands out due to its distinctive taste. Garlic scapes, less intense than regular garlic, provide a fresh, green, slightly garlicky flavor, making the pesto more nuanced and appealing to a wider range of palates.
Versatility: This pesto can be used in numerous ways – as a pasta sauce, a spread for sandwiches, or a flavorful addition to soups and salads. Its versatility makes it a valuable recipe for any home cook.
Ingredients
Garlic Scapes: Mild and herbaceous, they're the foundation of the pesto. Substitute: mild green onions or chives.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth. Substitute: Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Pine Nuts: Give a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Substitute: walnuts or almonds.
Olive Oil: Provides smoothness and binds the ingredients. Substitute: any neutral oil.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, acidic touch. Substitute: lime juice.
Tips
- Toast the pine nuts lightly for extra flavor.
- Use fresh, young garlic scapes for the best taste.
- Adjust the consistency with more or less olive oil.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for long-term storage.
How to Serve
Garlic scape pesto is incredibly adaptable, enhancing a wide range of dishes with its fresh, garlicky flavor.
- Pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Sandwich Spread: Elevate sandwiches and wraps with its unique taste.
- Dressing: Drizzle over salads or roasted vegetables for an extra zing.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Scape Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic scapes chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine garlic scapes, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in a food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- While the processor is running, gradually add olive oil until fully integrated.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper; pulse to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Nutrition
Notes
• Use fresh, young garlic scapes for the best taste.
• Adjust the consistency with more or less olive oil.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freeze in ice cube trays for long-term storage.