Garlic Scape Pesto (Printable)
A vibrant, aromatic pesto with fresh garlic scapes.
# What You'll 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
# How-To Steps:
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, slowly pour the olive oil into the feed tube in a steady stream. Continue processing until the sauce is smooth and spreadable.
03 - Taste the pesto and add more salt or pepper if needed. Transfer the finished sauce to a clean jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator until serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get that intense garlic kick without the harsh aftertaste of raw cloves.
- It comes together in ten minutes but tastes like you labored over it for hours.
02 -
- Processing too long can heat up the basil and turn the pesto brown, so watch the timing.
- The pesto will thicken in the fridge, so stir in a little oil before serving leftovers.
03 -
- Toast the nuts lightly in a dry pan before blending to amplify their flavor.
- Blanch the basil for ten seconds to keep the pesto vivid green for days.