So, this past week we received garlic scapes and many of you are probably wondering what they are and what you can do with them.
Garlic Scapes are the flower bud of the garlic plant. The bud is typically removed from June through July allowing the bulbs to thicken up. Garlic Scapes taste just like garlic and are delicious to eat!. They can be used in exactly the same way as garlic in any recipe.
One easy and delicious way to use garlic scapes is to make a tasty pesto. Try making this great recipe from seriouseats.com.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped garlic scapes*
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A few generous grinds of black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
*Or use half scapes and half herbs such as basil, dill and chervil
Directions
- In a small, dry pan set over very low heat, lightly toast the pine nuts, stirring or tossing occasionally until just beginning to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Combine the scapes, pine nuts, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse about 20 times, until fairly well combined. Pour in the olive oil slowly through the feed tube while the motor is running. When the oil is incorporated, transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the grated cheese. If you plan to freeze the pesto, wait to add the cheese until after you've defrosted it.