Garlic Scape-Walnut-Basil Pesto
Scapes are actually the stems of the garlic plant. And they’re green and taste like garlic. I use them on top of pizza, in pasta, and as a replacement for garlic in lots of other recipes. This is a super easy pesto recipe that uses raw garlic scapes. It’s pungent and oh-so delicious. Stir it into to hot pasta, risotto, or spread on a mozzarella sandwich.
You can play with the proportions of the garlic scape-to-basil ratio to suite your tastes – if you like it really garlicy, stick to the proportions I have listed below. If you like it more basil-y, reduce the garlic scapes to 1/2 cup and add and additional 1/2 cup basil.
Garlic Scapes
Ingredients:
(Makes about 1 cup pesto)
3 tablespoons walnut pieces
1 cup garlic scapes, washed and roughly chopped
1 cup basil leaves (tightly packed)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus additional if necessary)
1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
Special Equipment: Food processor
Procedure:
- Toast the walnut pieces: in a small, dry skillet, add the walnut pieces and toast over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant. Cool.
- In the bowl of the food processor, combine the cooled walnut pieces, the garlic scapes, the basil, a pinch of salt, a grinding of black pepper, and the olive oil. Pulse until a rough paste forms. Add additional olive oil if the mixture is too dense.
- Scrape the mixture into a bowl. Stir in the parmesean. Taste and correct for salt.
13 comments
The Hungry Mouse Jun 19, 2009 at 10:35 am
Oh, I love it! Ya know, I was thinking next time I’d use a mix of basil and scapes. (This time, I did straight scapes + pine nuts.) I’ll bet it was amazing with walnuts. Now I just need to find more before they’re gone for the season!
+Jessie
melissa Jun 19, 2009 at 11:58 am
This sounds really good. I made a garlic scape stir fry last night with pork, green tomatoes & sesame oil. It was good, but I want to try using them “raw” for the super pungent kick. I’m getting more this weekend!! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie Jun 19, 2009 at 11:59 am
I just made a garlic scape pesto as well (also straight scales and pine nuts). Making something else with it tonight (probably a post next week). I love your addition of walnuts!
megan Jun 19, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Ha! It’s like food blogger mind-meld!
Melissa, your stir fry sounds AWESOME! I’m hungry….
The Duo Dishes Jun 19, 2009 at 12:24 pm
So interesting. Guess it’s true that you don’t have to waste any part of a veggie or herb really. This is a good idea.
Julia Jun 19, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I made garlic scape pesto recently – but without the basil. just scapes, olive oil, almonds, s&p, and a little vinegar. then i froze the extra in ice cubes for future use!
megan Jun 19, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Oooh almonds. That sounds good! And great tip about freezing pesto in ice cube trays – I was just thinking that I should’ve mentioned that in my original post. Thanks!!
Reeni Jun 19, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I’ve never had a garlic scape – this pesto sounds so delicious! I will be looking for them at the market.
liz {zested} Jun 19, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Megan – I had just read your post today too – looks good! I like the addition of walnuts. It seems like it would help mellow out the scapes a little, since they’re quite pungent on their own. Are you still finding them in New York? I didn’t see any new ones at the markets this week.
megan Jun 19, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Yeah, we’ve still got them – I think – at least as of last Saturday. I bought a big bagful – they actually last quite a while in the fridge. Hoping to see more tomorrow at the market.
Rosa Jun 19, 2009 at 5:50 pm
A delightful pesto! I love that combo!
Cheers,
Rosa
katiek @kitchensidecear Jun 20, 2009 at 11:08 pm
garlic scapes. haha. buds, scapes, the whole garlic place is finally used! word.
gastroanthropologist Jun 21, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Walnuts are one of my favorite nuts and I love them in savory things. I’ve got a bunch of wet garlic so I might try this recipe with them. Is the scape part the part that sprouts from heads of garlic?
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