Friday, June 11, 2010

Garlic Scape and Kale Pesto


Garlic scapes were new to me when I saw them used for a cooking demo at the NYBG last year. This fall I ordered some long neck garlic for planting and when the scapes appeared a couple of weeks ago, it was an exciting moment (get a life, right?). Scapes are smooth, and curved and can easily be cut from the top of the plant and used chopped in just about any recipe where you’d use fresh garlic or scallion.
So far I’ve used them in omlettes, chili, and salads. Why not pesto? And why not throw in some beautiful fresh, dark green kale?

And why not use some lemon thyme instead of basil? And why not subsitute sunflower seeds for nuts so the allergic E. girl can eat it too?

Here’s the recipe:

½ c. olive oil
2 garlic scapes, chopped
A half bunch (about 10 ) kale leaves, torn into 2” pieces
2 T. sunflower seeds
1 T. fresh lemon thyme leaves
½ c. parmesan cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth. Serve over pasta, on bread or on sandwiches.

If you have ideas for other ways to use scapes, I’d love to hear them. (I have lots!) And if you like pesto, check out Guinnah’s recipe for Olive & Collard Green pesto, too!

12 comments:

Ronda Laveen said...

That looks and sounds so awesome! Never heard of scapes. But I can almost smell them.

tina said...

Anything garlic is great in my book. Have a good weekend Jen!

tut-tut said...

What kind of kale is that? I'm not familiar with it. Get a life?! this IS the life, baby!

Joanne said...

That sounds great! Love summer recipes, they're so good. And I'm with tut-tut ... This IS the life, you've got a good thing going on!

PamHMG said...

WOw. I've seen lots of garlic scape pesto recipes but none combing kale. I will be sure to do this one since I have an abundance of both right now! you're welcome to our scapes if you want them...

Pam J. said...

Yum! I'm keeping the recipe and will try it out. I planted my first garlic last fall and now have 5 nice healthy plants just waiting to be harvested. Got only one scape, however, not enough to do much with. In the fall I'll follow your lead and order long-necks for next spring. Isn't this time of year great? Fresh greens every night of the week!

TALON said...

I've never heard of garlic scapes, but I LOVE garlic so I think I'd love these too.

Hey, I have many exciting moments along the lines of garlic scapes - they are the essence of a good life! :)

I'm going to have to check these out. They sound scrumptious!

LazyMom said...

How about a photo of the week of the chickens? They are SO cute.

JGH said...

That is Tuscan kale - very easy to grow and so pretty. I almost don't want to cut it! I've read lots of recipes recently using greens other than basil, but if it's a mild one, I think another herb makes it better - lots of options.

Chicken post coming up, Lazymom.

beth - total mom haircut said...

For dinner tonight we had chicken with garlic scapes and capers:) It was very good, if I do say so myself.

I love this pesto idea. I made a pesto with arugula and sunflower seeds the other week and that turned out well too - liked the sunflower seeds. This sounds like a mighty good way to make a dent in the kale that's been coming in the CSA box though.

Guinnah said...

sounds like a great pesto combo - yum! We had onion scapes in our CSA box last week and I made falafel using them and also a scape and mint yogurt sauce. Not sure what tomorrow's box will bring!

PamHMG said...

I've been juicing all my kale but found this recipe for garlic scape pesto which I did tonight and it was fabulous and simple.

http://umamigirl.com/2009/07/dont-stop-til-you-get-enough.html