5 tasty ways to cook with garlic scapes
What's the story
Garlic scapes are the curly green shoots that grow from garlic plants. They have a milder flavor than garlic bulbs and can be used in many different ways in cooking. This article delves into five delicious ways to utilize garlic scapes, allowing you to elevate your dishes, amplify flavors, and introduce a fresh twist to your meals.
Pesto
Garlic scape pesto: A green delight
Turning garlic scapes into pesto is a great way to harness their distinctive flavor. Simply add chopped garlic scapes, Parmesan cheese, nuts (pine nuts or walnuts work great), olive oil, and a pinch of salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth and voila! You've got a deliciously vibrant green sauce ready. It's perfect to toss with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or use as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Stir-fry
Stir-fried garlic scapes: Crunchy goodness
For those who love a good crunch, stir-frying garlic scapes is the way to go. Simply chop them into two-inch pieces, saute in oil until they start to brown, and toss in some colorful bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture. A splash of soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce, and you've got a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Yum!
Pickling
Pickled garlic scapes: Tangy treats
Pickling garlic scapes is another way to enjoy their flavor all year round. Simply make a brine with vinegar, water, sugar, and pickling spices like mustard seeds and peppercorns. Boil it and then pour over the trimmed garlic scapes you have packed in jars. This tangy treat makes a great appetizer or snack on its own, and it adds a zing to salads and charcuterie boards.
Grilling
Grilled garlic scapes: Smoky flavors
Grilling garlic scapes not only amplifies their natural sweetness but also introduces a smoky complexity that elevates their flavor profile. Just toss them in olive oil with salt and pepper, then throw them on a hot grill for about two minutes on each side until they're lightly charred. Serve alongside grilled vegetables or chop them up into salads for a flavor-packed addition.
Baking
Baked garlic scape bread: Aromatic loaves
Adding chopped garlic scapes to bread dough before baking creates a loaf with subtle garlicky flavor that's absolutely delicious warm from the oven. Just stir finely chopped garlic scapes into your go-to bread recipe—whether it's focaccia, baguette, or whole wheat—and bake as usual. You'll be rewarded with fragrant bread that's great for sandwiches or simply slathered with butter.