Garlic Scape Pesto (Printer-friendly)
Vibrant pesto with garlic scapes, basil, and pine nuts.
# What You Need:
→ Fresh Produce
01 - 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped (about 8-10 scapes)
02 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ Nuts & Seeds
04 - 1/3 cup pine nuts
→ Dairy
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Oils
06 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
→ Seasonings
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - Place garlic scapes, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture is finely chopped.
02 - While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube. Continue processing until the pesto reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
03 - Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It captures the essence of spring in a jar with a flavor that is brighter than traditional garlic.
- You can make it in ten minutes flat for an instant gourmet upgrade to any meal.
02 -
- Over blending can heat up the mixture and turn the basil brown, so pulse gently.
- Scapes vary in thickness, so adjust quantity based on your personal garlic tolerance.
03 -
- Toast your nuts lightly in a dry pan before blending to deepen their flavor profile.
- Blanch the scapes quickly in boiling water if you find the raw flavor too intense.