Garlic Scape Pesto Perfection: Recipes & Step-by-Step Guide

Garlic scapes, those curly, whimsical stalks that emerge from garlic plants in late spring or early summer, are a culinary treasure often overlooked. While the garlic bulb is the star of many dishes, the scape offers a milder, more nuanced garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness and a texture that’s perfect for pesto. If you’re looking to elevate your pesto game and add a seasonal twist to your favorite dishes, garlic scape pesto is the answer. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying and sourcing scapes to creating delicious recipes that will have you craving this vibrant green sauce all year long.

## What are Garlic Scapes?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand what garlic scapes actually are. Garlic plants, particularly hardneck varieties, produce these flower stalks in the spring. If left to grow, the scape will eventually form a bulb-like structure at the tip, known as a bulbil, which contains tiny garlic cloves that can be planted to grow new garlic. However, most gardeners and farmers remove the scapes to encourage the plant to focus its energy on developing a larger, more robust garlic bulb. Removing the scape also happens to provide a delicious and versatile ingredient for the kitchen.

**Key Characteristics of Garlic Scapes:**

* **Appearance:** Long, curly, green stalks with a slightly bulbous end.
* **Flavor:** Milder and sweeter than garlic cloves, with a subtle grassy undertone.
* **Texture:** Tender and slightly crunchy when raw; softens when cooked.
* **Season:** Late spring to early summer (typically May to June in the Northern Hemisphere).

## Sourcing Garlic Scapes

Finding garlic scapes is usually easiest at farmers’ markets or from local farms that grow garlic. If you grow your own garlic, you can simply harvest the scapes yourself. Here’s what to look for when sourcing garlic scapes:

* **Freshness:** Choose scapes that are firm, vibrant green, and free from blemishes or soft spots. Avoid scapes that are wilted or yellowing.
* **Size:** The size of the scape doesn’t necessarily affect the flavor, but smaller, younger scapes tend to be more tender.
* **Availability:** Scapes are seasonal, so be sure to grab them when they’re available. Many farmers’ markets only offer them for a few weeks each year.

**Growing Your Own Garlic for Scapes:**

Growing your own garlic is a rewarding experience, and it guarantees a supply of fresh scapes. Here are a few tips:

* **Choose a Hardneck Variety:** Hardneck garlic varieties are the ones that produce scapes. Softneck varieties, typically found in grocery stores, rarely produce scapes.
* **Plant in the Fall:** Garlic is typically planted in the fall, a few weeks before the first frost. This allows the cloves to establish roots over the winter.
* **Harvest Scapes in the Spring:** When the scapes begin to curl and form loops, they’re ready to harvest. Simply snap or cut them off near the base of the plant, leaving a few inches of the stalk.

## Basic Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe

This is the foundation for all other garlic scape pesto recipes. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, cheeses, and herbs to create your own unique variations.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 ounces garlic scapes, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
* 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds)
* 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

**Equipment:**

* Food processor or blender
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Garlic Scapes:** Wash the garlic scapes thoroughly and pat them dry. Trim off any tough or fibrous ends. Roughly chop the scapes into 1-inch pieces.
2. **Toast the Nuts (Optional):** Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a subtle depth to the pesto. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped garlic scapes, Parmesan cheese, toasted nuts, and lemon juice.
4. **Process Until Smooth:** Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients, then turn on the processor and slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Process until the pesto is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. **Season to Taste:** Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
6. **Adjust Consistency:** If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more Parmesan cheese or nuts.
7. **Store Properly:** Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent oxidation and maintain the vibrant green color, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing the container. You can also freeze the pesto for longer storage. Portion it into ice cube trays for easy use.

## Garlic Scape Pesto Variations

Now that you have the basic recipe down, let’s explore some exciting variations:

* **Spicy Garlic Scape Pesto:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small, finely chopped chili pepper to the food processor for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon-Herb Garlic Scape Pesto:** Add 1/4 cup of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or mint to the food processor for a bright and herbaceous flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Scape Pesto:** Add 1/4 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to the food processor for a tangy and savory twist. Drain the tomatoes well before adding them.
* **Vegan Garlic Scape Pesto:** Substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based milk to thin the pesto if needed.
* **Walnut Garlic Scape Pesto:** Replace the pine nuts with walnuts for a richer, earthier flavor.
* **Sunflower Seed Garlic Scape Pesto:** Use sunflower seeds as a nut-free alternative. Toast them lightly for added flavor.
* **Arugula Garlic Scape Pesto:** Add a handful of arugula for a peppery bite.

## Delicious Garlic Scape Pesto Recipes

Garlic scape pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

### 1. Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta

This is a classic way to enjoy garlic scape pesto. Simply toss cooked pasta with the pesto and add your favorite toppings.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well)
* 1/2 cup garlic scape pesto
* 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
* Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. **Toss with Pesto:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the garlic scape pesto. Add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until the pesto coats the pasta evenly and creates a creamy sauce.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the pasta immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes (if using).

### 2. Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza

Swap out traditional tomato sauce for garlic scape pesto on your next homemade pizza for a flavorful and unique twist.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pizza dough
* 1/2 cup garlic scape pesto
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite pizza toppings (such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or sausage)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually 450-500°F or 230-260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
2. **Prepare the Dough:** Roll out or stretch the pizza dough to your desired shape and thickness.
3. **Spread the Pesto:** Spread the garlic scape pesto evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. **Add Cheese and Toppings:** Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pesto, then add your favorite pizza toppings.
5. **Bake the Pizza:** Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.

### 3. Garlic Scape Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Elevate your classic grilled cheese sandwich with a smear of garlic scape pesto for a burst of flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 slices of bread
* 2 tablespoons garlic scape pesto
* 2 slices of your favorite cheese (such as cheddar, Gruyere, or provolone)
* 1 tablespoon butter

**Instructions:**

1. **Spread Pesto:** Spread the garlic scape pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
2. **Add Cheese:** Place the cheese slices between the two slices of bread, with the pesto sides facing inward.
3. **Butter the Bread:** Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread.
4. **Grill the Sandwich:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately.

### 4. Garlic Scape Pesto Chicken or Fish

Garlic scape pesto makes a delicious marinade or topping for grilled or baked chicken or fish.

**Ingredients:**

* Chicken breasts or fish fillets
* 1/4 cup garlic scape pesto
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate (Optional):** For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken or fish in the garlic scape pesto for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Grill or Bake:** Grill or bake the chicken or fish according to your preferred method until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for chicken and 145°F (63°C) for fish.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the chicken or fish with a dollop of garlic scape pesto and lemon wedges (if using).

### 5. Garlic Scape Pesto Hummus

Add a vibrant green twist to your homemade hummus with a spoonful of garlic scape pesto.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 1/4 cup tahini
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons garlic scape pesto
* 2-4 tablespoons water, as needed
* Salt to taste
* Olive oil and paprika, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and garlic scape pesto.
2. **Process Until Smooth:** Process until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt to taste.
4. **Serve with Garnishes:** Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.

## Tips for Storing Garlic Scape Pesto

* **Refrigerate:** Store garlic scape pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent oxidation, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing the container.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag or container. Frozen pesto will keep for up to 3 months.

## Health Benefits of Garlic Scapes

Like garlic cloves, garlic scapes offer a variety of health benefits. They are a good source of:

* **Antioxidants:** Garlic scapes contain antioxidants that help protect the body against cell damage.
* **Vitamins and Minerals:** They are a source of vitamins C and B6, as well as minerals like manganese and selenium.
* **Allicin:** While present in lower concentrations than in garlic bulbs, garlic scapes still contain allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

## Conclusion

Garlic scape pesto is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavor to a wide variety of dishes. With its mild garlic flavor and vibrant green color, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring and summer. Whether you grow your own garlic or find scapes at your local farmers’ market, be sure to give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at the endless possibilities!