Garlic Scape Pesto: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Sauce

If you’re looking to elevate your culinary game with a unique and vibrant twist on traditional pesto, look no further! This Garlic Scape Pesto brings together the subtle garlic flavor of scapes with the nuttiness of pistachios and the freshness of baby spinach. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, this quick and easy recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

• 5 garlic scapes
• 1 medium lemon
• 1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup grated)
• 1/4 cup raw or roasted, salted, shelled pistachios
• 1 packed cup baby spinach (1 1/2 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients
   • Trim the ends from the garlic scapes and coarsely chop them.
   • Finely grate the zest of the lemon until you have 1 teaspoon. Juice the lemon until you have 2 tablespoons.
   • Finely grate the Parmesan cheese to get about 1/4 packed cup.
2. Process the Base
   • Place the garlic scapes, pistachios, and baby spinach in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Process until finely chopped, about 15 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add Seasonings
   • Add the lemon juice and zest, Parmesan, and kosher salt to the food processor. Process until a uniform paste has formed, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through, about 15 seconds total.
4. Incorporate the Olive Oil
   • With the motor running, stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue blending as needed until the olive oil is fully emulsified and the pesto looks uniform, about 5 seconds.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Calories: Not specified
• Servings: 4

Tips and Serving Suggestions

• Storage: Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
• Serving Ideas: Toss the pesto with your favorite pasta, spread it on sandwiches, mix it into salads, or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables or crackers.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts, or add a bit of basil or parsley for a more traditional pesto flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Scape Pesto is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. The combination of garlic scapes, pistachios, and spinach creates a unique flavor profile that is both fresh and savory. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!

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Feel free to share your experiences with this recipe in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? How did you serve your garlic scape pesto? We’d love to hear from you!