Garlic Scape Pesto Benefits (Printable Version)
Fresh, aromatic pesto with garlic scapes. Ideal for pasta, bread, or veggies. Quick and easy.
# 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
# Directions:
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 on low speed, slowly pour the olive oil into the feed tube in a steady stream. Continue processing until the pesto reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
03 - Taste the pesto and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Transfer the finished sauce to a clean jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The flavor is fresher and greener than traditional garlic pesto, making every bite feel like spring.
- It comes together in mere minutes but tastes like something you slaved over for hours.
02 -
- Over-blending can heat up the sauce and turn the basil brown, so keep an eye on the texture.
- If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of water rather than drowning it in more oil.
03 -
- Toast the nuts lightly in a dry pan before blending to deepen their flavor profile significantly.
- Wash and dry the basil thoroughly to prevent the sauce from becoming watery or thin.