Gardeners who grow garlic will find garlic scapes show up in the in early summer when bright green stalks begin to spiral up from hardneck garlic varieties.
These delicate tendrils, which are actually the flower stalks found on the members of the Allium family (garlic, chives, leeks and onions) – are edible and delicious.
If left alone, these curly stalks will eventually straighten and then grow little seed-like bulbs. Cut them while they are still curly and these garlic scapes are tender and delicious addition to many recipes -- including pesto and frittata (see below).
Another advantage to cutting off garlic scapes while they are curling upward: it helps the growth of the garlic bulb that is growing under the ground.So try these garlic scape recipes to enjoy these fleeting delicacies:
Garlic Scape Pesto
- 1 cup garlic scapes (about 8 or 9 scapes), top flowery part removed, cut into ¼-inch slices
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 3/4cup virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Put the cut garlic scapes and nuts in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the oil and process again until well mixed.
- Scoop the pesto out of the food processor’s bowl into a larger mixing bowl. Add cheese, salt and pepper. This will stay fresh in the refrigerator (in an air tight container) for a week.
- Add two tablespoons of pesto per 1/2 pound of cooked pasta. Stir into pasta until well blended. Top with more Parmesan cheese.
Garlic Scape Frittata
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 & 1/2 cups chopped garlic scapes
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup hot water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch skillet; add garlic scapes and scallions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add water and a pinch of salt.
- Cook covered over medium high heat until tender, about three minutes. Drain well and set aside on a plate.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs with cream, and salt and pepper. Add remaining butter to skillet. When butter is melted, add greens and spread evenly in the skillet.
- Add egg mixture. Cover and cook over medium to low heat until top is set for about 2-3 minutes.
Other Garlic Scape Cooking Ideas
Cut up garlic scapes in one to two-inch lengths and add to:
- stir fry vegetable and meat recipes
- guacamole
- fresh salsa
- softened cream cheese (to spread on bagels)
- as garnish for soups
- to scrambled eggs
- rice dishes
- pasta with olive oil
- mashed potatoes
- hummus
- pizza toppings
- salads
For an addition recipe using garlic scapes visit: Garlic Scapes and Pea Tendrils Recipe.
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