Hardneck garlic forms curly stalks called scapes. It is generally recommended that these be removed to allow all the energy to concentrate on the growth of the garlic bulb. If left on the plant, the curly stem forms a seed head. Cutting, or snapping off the scapes when they young provides a wonderful, tender vegetable with a mild garlic flavor. They may be chopped and stir fried, or left whole like asparagus. Or you may use them to make pesto. They may be added to basil pesto, or may replace the basil altogether. Here’s my recipe:
- 2 cups of scapes – you’ll have to chop them some in order to measure.
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan
- 3/4 cup olive oil (find olive oil here)
- 2 T pine nuts
Blend all of the ingredients until smooth, (sometimes I add the pine nuts after blending if I want that crunch) and fold into a pound of cooked, hot pasta. Oh, my! (The recipe may also be used as a dip)
Shared at Rural Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday, Fight Back Friday, Farmgirl Friday, Homestead Barnhop, Homestead Blog Carnival, Monday Mania, Weekend Gourmet, Fat Tuesday, Living Green, Teach Me Tuesday, Traditional Tuesday, Tuesday Garden Party, Real Food Wednesday, Frugal Days Sustainable Ways, Whole Food Wednesdays, Wildcrafting Wednesday
I just discovered Garlic Scape Pesto at my local farmers market last week! Oh, it is yummy! Thanks for the recipe! I wonder if the grocers are selling it… I need to look for some and try your recipe! Happy Farmgirl Friday!
I’ve never seen them in the grocery store, only at farmer’s markets. If you can plant your own garlic, though, you’d be set!
I was just thinking of making this too! It’s also great stirred into cooked vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
GREAT idea!!!!
Sounds delicious! Wish my hubby hadn’t mowed off our garlic.
Thank you for sharing at Rural Thursdays this week. xoxo
HaHa! There’s always next year!
This sounds absolutely delicious. I wish I were about to dig into a big bowl right now! I haven’t yet grown garlic, but I already did wonder what one does with those strange scapes they sell at the Farmer’s Market. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Rosalyn! Shall I mail you some?
Hmmm, wonder how dehydrated scapes would work out?
Mmmmm, just the kind of recipe I was wanting for garlic scapes! Thanks so much for sharing
Blessings,
Lori
Thanks for visiting, Lori!
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I receive a boat load of scapes from a friend each year. If you have excess like I do here’s how to freeze them Using and Preserving Garlic Scapes .
Your pesto sounds delish!
A boat load of scapes! What a blessing!
I linked your pesto recipe to my post Using and Preserving Garlic Scapes
Thanks!!!
I have a few scapes left on my garlic plants. I never would have thought to add them to pesto but now I definitely will!
You’ll love it!
How neat–I’ve never tried this before, but it certainly sounds good!
It’s so yummy!
Wonderful! I’ve been wanting this recipe but haven’t had time to find it on the internet. Now I can use yours!
Thanks for sharing this on Wildcrafting Wednesday!
~ Kathy
I appreciate you hosting the link up!
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What a great idea – now I just have to remember to plant hardneck garlic this fall.
Thanks for stopping by!!!!!