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December 10, 2024
Garlic scapes are the curled flower stalks that emerge from the tops of hardneck garlic plants. While they may look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, these whimsical spirals are quite versatile in the kitchen. With their mild garlic flavor and tender texture, garlic scapes can be used to add a pop of flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a garlic lover or simply looking to experiment with a new ingredient, here are some delicious ways to cook with garlic scapes.
Garlic scape pesto: One of the most popular ways to use garlic scapes is to turn them into pesto. Simply combine chopped garlic scapes with some nuts (like pine nuts or almonds), grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Blend everything together until smooth, and you’ll have a vibrant green pesto that’s bursting with flavor. Use it as a spread on sandwiches or pasta, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables.
Grilled garlic scapes: Another delicious way to enjoy garlic scapes is to throw them on the grill. Toss them in a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill for a few minutes until they’re charred and tender. The heat of the grill mellows out the garlic flavor, leaving you with smoky, delicious scapes that make a perfect side dish or addition to salads and pasta.
Sautéed garlic scapes: If you’re short on time, sautéing garlic scapes is a quick and easy way to enjoy them. Heat some olive oil in a pan, add chopped garlic scapes, and cook for a few minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. You can season them with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Serve them as a side dish, toss them with pasta, or use them as a topping for pizzas and bruschetta.
Whether you’re a garlic enthusiast or just looking to try something new, garlic scapes are a fun and delicious ingredient to incorporate into your cooking. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different recipes. From pesto to grilled and sautéed dishes, garlic scapes are sure to add a burst of flavor to your meals.
Garlic Scapes: 6 Delicious Recipes to Try
Garlic scapes are a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavor to any dish. Whether you are a garlic lover or just looking to try something new, here are six delicious recipes that showcase the deliciousness of garlic scapes.
1. Garlic Scape Pesto
Garlic scape pesto is a great way to use up a surplus of garlic scapes. Simply blend garlic scapes with some fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Use this flavorful pesto as a spread on sandwiches, a dip for vegetables, or toss it with pasta for a quick and tasty meal.
2. Garlic Scape Stir-Fry
For a simple and healthy side dish, try making a garlic scape stir-fry. Heat some oil in a pan, add sliced garlic scapes and your choice of vegetables, and stir-fry until tender. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor.
3. Grilled Garlic Scapes
Grilling garlic scapes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. Simply toss the scapes in some olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side. Serve as a side dish or add them to salads for a delicious and healthy twist.
4. Garlic Scape Soup
Make a comforting garlic scape soup by sautéing chopped garlic scapes with onions and garlic until softened. Add vegetable or chicken broth, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Then blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some fresh herbs for a delightful appetizer or light meal.
5. Garlic Scape and Cheese Flatbread
Make a flavorful flatbread by spreading some garlic scape pesto on store-bought or homemade flatbread. Top with your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish with some fresh arugula or basil for a simple and delicious meal.
6. Garlic Scape Salad Dressing
Add a garlicky twist to your salads by making a garlic scape salad dressing. Blend garlic scapes with some olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the dressing over your favorite salad greens and toss to coat. This tangy dressing is sure to elevate any salad.
These are just a few delicious recipes that highlight the versatility of garlic scapes. So next time you come across this unique ingredient, give these recipes a try and discover the wonderful flavors they bring to your meals.
Cooking with Garlic Scapes: A Unique Ingredient
Garlic scapes are the flower stalks that grow out of garlic bulbs. They have a unique mild garlic flavor that is less pungent than cloves, making them a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Not only do they add a fresh and savory taste to meals, but they also provide numerous health benefits.
Using Garlic Scapes in Salads and Sides
Garlic scapes can be enjoyed raw or cooked, and they make a wonderful addition to salads and side dishes. Chopped scapes can be mixed with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables to create a flavorful and nutritious salad. You can also marinate them in a tangy vinaigrette or use them as a garnish for grilled vegetables.
Incorporating Garlic Scapes into Pasta and Stir-Fries
Garlic scapes can be used as a substitute for garlic cloves in pasta dishes and stir-fries. Simply chop them into small pieces and sauté them with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. The scapes will infuse the dish with a subtle garlic flavor and add a delightful crunch. They can also be pureed to make a flavorful pesto sauce that pairs well with pasta or roasted vegetables.
Tip: When using garlic scapes in cooking, it is best to remove the tough fibrous ends before chopping or sautéing them.
Grilling Garlic Scapes for a Unique Twist
Grilling garlic scapes is another great way to enjoy their distinct flavor. Simply brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill them for a few minutes until they become tender and slightly charred. Grilled scapes make a delicious side dish or can be added to sandwiches, burgers, and kebabs for an unexpected twist.
Final Thoughts
Cooking with garlic scapes adds a unique flavor profile to your dishes. From salads and sides to pasta and stir-fries, these versatile stalks can enhance the taste of your meals while providing health benefits. With their mild garlic flavor and pleasant texture, garlic scapes are a delightful ingredient that takes your culinary skills to the next level.
Garlic Scape Pesto: A Flavorful Sauce for Pasta
Garlic scapes are a unique and delicious ingredient that can add a bold and fresh flavor to your dishes. One popular way to use garlic scapes is by making a flavorful sauce for pasta. By creating a garlic scape pesto, you can elevate a simple pasta dish into a gourmet meal.
Ingredients:
| 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped | 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves |
| 1/3 cup pine nuts | 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese |
| 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil | Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic scapes, basil leaves, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic scape pesto and sauté for a minute to release the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto sauce. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
This garlic scape pesto is a versatile sauce that can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or a dip for vegetables. Its vibrant green color and robust garlic flavor make it a standout addition to any dish. So, next time you have a bunch of garlic scapes, try making this delicious pesto for a truly memorable meal.
Garlic Scape Soup: A Creamy and Fragrant Dish
Garlic scapes are a delightful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups. One recipe that showcases the unique flavor and aroma of garlic scapes is garlic scape soup. This creamy and fragrant dish is perfect for a light lunch or a comforting dinner.
To make garlic scape soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 bunch of garlic scapes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to prepare this delicious soup:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic scapes and onion and cook until softened.
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth and diced potato to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This garlic scape soup is not only delicious, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil and some freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives. You can also add some croutons or a dollop of sour cream to make it even more indulgent.
This creamy and fragrant garlic scape soup is a wonderful way to highlight the unique flavors of garlic scapes. It is a perfect dish for any garlic lover or anyone looking to try something new and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful taste of this aromatic soup!
Q&A
What are garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are the long, curly shoots that grow from the tops of garlic plants. They have a mild garlic flavor and a crunchy texture.
Can you eat garlic scapes?
Yes, garlic scapes are edible. They are often used in cooking for their unique flavor and texture.
How do you cook garlic scapes?
There are many ways to cook garlic scapes. They can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, or used in soups, stir-fries, and salads.
What do garlic scapes taste like?
Garlic scapes have a mild garlic flavor that is not as pungent as mature garlic cloves. They also have a slightly sweet and earthy taste.
What dishes can I make with garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be chopped and added to pasta sauces, used as a topping for pizza, or blended into pesto. They can also be pickled or used in garlic scape soup.
What are garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are the curled flower stalks that grow out of garlic bulbs. They have a mild, garlicky flavor and a unique shape.
Can you eat garlic scapes?
Yes, garlic scapes are edible. In fact, they are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world.