Welcome to the kitchen where the fragrant symphony of garlic scapes fills the air! As nature's delicious gift, garlic scapes emerge from the stalk in early summer, offering a delicate yet robust flavor that elevates any dish. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the versatility of garlic scapes and share some mouthwatering recipes to tantalize your taste buds.
Before diving into the recipes, let's take a moment to appreciate the unique qualities of garlic scapes. These curly green shoots are the flowering stems of the garlic plant, harvested before they bloom to encourage the plant's energy to focus on bulb growth. With a flavor that's milder than garlic cloves but still unmistakably garlicky, scapes offer a fresh and vibrant addition to a variety of dishes.
Recipe 1: Garlic Scape Pesto Ingredients:
1 cup chopped garlic scapes
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic scapes, basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve tossed with pasta, spread on crusty bread, or dolloped on grilled vegetables.
Grilled Garlic Scapes:
10-12 garlic scapes, trimmed and cut into 6-inch lengths
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Brush the scapes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill the scapes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
Serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a flavorful addition to salads.
Garlic Scape and Potato Soup Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
3 cups chopped potatoes
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup chopped garlic scapes
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh chives for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the chopped potatoes and vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
Stir in the chopped garlic scapes and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until tender.
If using, stir in the heavy cream to add richness to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving.
Whether tossed in pesto or any pasta dish, grilled to perfection, or simmered in a comforting soup, garlic scapes are a culinary delight not to be missed. Embrace the flavors of the season and let these versatile shoots inspire your next kitchen creations. Happy cooking!
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