Garlic scapes are the green leafy stalks of the garlic plant that grow above the ground shortly after the first leaves appear. They are long and curly at the ends, and are usually cut off, as they inhibit the growth of the plant, resulting in very small garlic bulbs. Most garlic scapes are tossed into the compost heap, but they are completely edible and delicious. The farmer’s market is full of them right now, but act quickly, as these are only available in the early summer.
Think of these green stalks relating to garlic cloves, in the way that scallions relate to onions. They possess the same garlicky flavor, albeit a bit milder.
We experimented with some of these unusual stalks, and found them to be quite versatile.
Here are just a few ways to use garlic scapes:
Use them to make pesto:
Instead of using basil (or any other green vegetable you like) and garlic cloves, place chunks of garlic scapes into the food processor, with a large handful of pignoli nuts. Process until finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in olive oil until the sauce forms a smooth consistency. Add Parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over pasta, or spread over grilled fish or chicken.
Use them in dips and spreads:
Take 1 can of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained) and some garlic scapes (we used about 16”-20” worth, cut into chunks) and put them in the food processor. Add a handful of parsley if you like and process until finely minced. Add the juice of one lemon, and with the machine running drizzle in olive oil until it forms a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with pita, or grilled vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.
Use them in a traditional vinaigrette, with olive oil, Dijon mustard and either balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice.
Finely chop them and sprinkle them in salads, over pasta or vegetables.
They cook quickly, so if you are using them in a recipe, add them near the end to avoid them browning.
Now that we have gotten you started, surely you will come up with lots of great uses for garlic scapes. Let us know in the comments what your favorite uses are.
Enjoy!
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Tags: cannellini beans, cooking, dips, Farmer's Market, Food, garlic, garlic bulbs, garlic cloves, garlic scapes, leafy green stalks, leaves, pasta, pesto, plants, salads, sandwiches, scallions, spreads, vinaigrette, white bean dip
Indigo jones 
July 7, 2013 at 10:20 pm |
From Super Natural Cooking, by Heidi Swanson 2 tablespoons clarified butter or extra-virgin olive oil 2 dozen garlic scapes, flower buds discarded and green shoots chopped 3 large russet potatoes, unpeeled and cut into ½ inch dice 5 cups vegetable stock or water 2 large handfuls spinach leaves, stemmed Juice of ½ lemon ½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt Freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup heavy cream (optional) Chive blossoms, for garnish (optional) Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the scapes and sauté for 2 minutes.
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