A vibrant pesto made with garlic scapes, perfect for pasta or as a spread.
Prep
10 min
Total
10 min
Servings
8
Difficulty
Easy
Instructions
Prepare the garlic scapes
Rinse the garlic scapes under cold water and pat dry with a towel. Trim the ends and chop them into small pieces.
Pro tip: Use fresh, bright green scapes for the best flavour.
Toast the pine nuts
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Pro tip: Pine nuts can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them.
Blend ingredients
In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
Add olive oil and lemon juice
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Pro tip: Adjust the amount of olive oil for a thicker or thinner pesto.
Season the pesto
Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Blend briefly to combine.
Pro tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Store or serve
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week, or serve immediately.
Pro tip: For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays.
Tips & Tricks
- Store extra pesto in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Use fresh garlic scapes for the best flavour.
- Blanching the garlic scapes can help reduce their sharpness if desired.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil for desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use garlic scapes in oil?
Yes, garlic scapes can be preserved in oil, but ensure they are stored in the refrigerator and used within a week to avoid spoilage.
How do I make pesto with garlic scapes?
Blend chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
What can I use garlic scape pesto for?
Use it as a pasta sauce, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables. It's versatile and adds a fresh garlic flavour.
How long does garlic scape pesto last?
It lasts up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays.
Can I substitute pine nuts in pesto?
Yes, you can use almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds as substitutes for pine nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
180
Calories
4g
Protein
17g
Fat
3g
Carbs
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