Garlic Scape Pesto Delight

Garlic Scape Pesto is a delightful twist on traditional pesto, offering a vibrant and aromatic flavor profile. This version uses garlic scapes, which are the long, curly shoots that grow from garlic bulbs, adding a mild and sweet garlic flavor that is perfect for summer dishes. Blended with robust Parmesan cheese, rich olive oil, and fresh tomatoes, this pesto provides a creamy and satisfying texture that complements a variety of dishes. It's a simple yet versatile recipe that's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. The preparation is straightforward and takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. Garlic Scape Pesto is a great way to use up seasonal produce and add a gourmet touch to everyday meals. The recipe can be easily adjusted to suit various preferences, including adding more spices or switching up the main ingredients. Discover the joys of fresh, homemade pesto and elevate your culinary creations with this aromatic sauce. Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a simple lunch, this pesto is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 500 g garlic scapes
• 300-400 g olive oil (adjust for desired pesto consistency)
• 200-300 g hard Parmesan cheese
• 1-2 tomatoes

Spices:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing the garlic scapes and tomatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Chop the Scapes: Cut the garlic scapes into smaller pieces to make blending easier.
3. Grate the Cheese: Using a fine grater, grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside.
4. Blend the Scapes: In a high-powered blender or food processor, add the garlic scapes. Pulse them a few times until they are finely chopped.
5. Add Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the blender and pulse again until well combined with the scapes.
6. Incorporate the Olive Oil: While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Use more or less depending on the desired thickness of your pesto.
7. Add Tomatoes for Texture: If using tomatoes, dice them and add to the mixture. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the pesto.
8. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Consider starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.
9. Blend Until Smooth: Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
10. Check Consistency: Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides, ensuring that all ingredients are well mixed.
11. Taste Test: Sample the pesto to ensure the flavors are balanced. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
12. Final Blend: Give the mixture one last blend to ensure that all ingredients are fully emulsified.
13. Transfer to Container: Pour the finished pesto into an airtight container for storage.
14. Serving Option: Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use. Keeps well for up to a week in the fridge.
15. Stir Before Use: If refrigerated, stir the pesto before using as it may separate over time.
16. Use as a Sauce: It's perfect over pasta or as a sauce for grilled meats or vegetables.
17. Dip or Spread: Use as a spread for sandwiches or as a dip for fresh bread.
18. Experiment with Pairings: Try it with roasted vegetables or mixed into salads for additional flavor.
19. Create Unique Dishes: Use your creativity to incorporate this pesto into other recipes or try it as a basis for a new dish.
20. Enjoy the Results: Relish the fresh homemade flavor and versatility that this garlic scape pesto brings to your meals.

Tips

• Substitutions: For a nutty flavor, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts.
• Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
• Texture: For a chunkier pesto, blend less, or for a smoother texture, blend longer.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 120 per tablespoon
• Protein: 3g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 4g

Variations

• Herb Additions: Add fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spicy Version: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.
• Alternative Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Vegetables: Pair with roasted or grilled vegetables for a tasty side dish.
• Crusty Bread: Spread on crusty bread or toast for a delicious appetizer.
• Cheese Plate: Serve as part of a cheese platter with assorted cheeses and olives.

Best Places

• La Pesto Café - A renowned spot for pesto lovers with various pesto-based dishes. Location: 20 Via Roma, Genoa, Italy.
• Garlicia Bistro - Known for its unique garlic scape creations and relaxed ambiance. Location: 102 King St, New York City, USA.
• Zesty Greens - A vegetarian cafe focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Location: 55 Market St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Basil & Thyme - Features a superb menu centered around fresh herbs including garlic scapes. Location: 7 Rue de Paris, Paris, France.
• The Green Scoop - Offers a range of vegan-friendly pesto dishes. Location: 12 High Street, London, UK.
• Pesto Palace - Celebrates Italian flavors with a contemporary twist. Location: 8 Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy.
• Savory Sage Café - A cozy spot renowned for its artisan pesto sandwiches. Location: 4 Elm Ave, Toronto, Canada.
• Herb Haven - A spot for garden-fresh dishes with a focus on sustainability. Location: 61 Main Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
• The Global Pesto Hub - A fusion of global flavors with an emphasis on pesto creativity. Location: 3 Orchard Rd, Singapore.
• Market Thyme - Offers farm-to-table pesto-inspired dishes. Location: 10 Baker St, San Francisco, USA.