Elevate your culinary experience with our exquisite, healthy vegan garlic scape pesto.
Crafted from the freshest ingredients, its zesty garlic essence and vibrant green allure will captivate your senses, offering a guilt-free indulgence that leaves you craving more.
Brief History of Pesto
Pesto has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, where a similar sauce known as “moretum” was made using crushed garlic, herbs, cheese, and olive oil. However, the modern version of pesto as we know it today originated in Genoa, Italy, in the 16th century.
The traditional Genovese pesto recipe, featuring fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, was developed and has since become a beloved staple of Italian cuisine.
Health benefits of Garlic
- Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- It may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Garlic in pesto contains compounds that may help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
- It may improve digestion and promote a healthy gut by supporting beneficial gut bacteria.
- Garlic contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Garlic may have neuroprotective properties and help improve cognitive function.
Tips & Procedure
- The smaller you cut these pieces the less chance you will have of stringy bits forming.
- Store the garlic scape pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the pesto from browning, you can top it with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing the container.
- Garlic scapes vary in intensity, so it’s a good idea to taste one before making the pesto. If the scapes are very pungent, you might want to use a smaller amount or blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two before blending to mellow the flavor.
Substitution for walnut
- Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are a classic option for pesto and can be used as a 1:1 substitute for walnuts. They have a creamy texture and a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with garlic scapes and basil.
- Cashews: Cashews can be used to create a creamy and rich pesto. They have a neutral flavor that allows the garlic scape and basil flavors to shine through.
- Almonds: Almonds can be a great replacement for walnuts, offering a slightly crunchier texture and a mild, nutty taste. You can use raw, blanched, or toasted almonds in your pesto.
How to Preserve Pesto Sauce
- Refrigerate: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container.
- Cover with oil: Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto to create a seal.
- Seal tightly: Ensure the container lid is tightly closed to prevent air exposure.
- Label and date: Add a label with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- Freeze (optional): For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Storage
Use within: Consume refrigerated pesto within 5-7 days, or frozen pesto within 3-6 months for best quality.
How to make Garlic Scape Pesto
Ingredients:
- 1 cup/30g gently packed basil leaves
- 10-12 medium/150g garlic scapes
- 1/3 cup/33g walnuts
- 6-8 tbsp/90-120ml olive oil
- 1 tbsp/15ml fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp/3g sea salt
Wash and trim any tough ends off the garlic scapes. Chop into small bits:
Add the scapes, walnuts, 6 tbsp/90ml olive oil, and lemon juice to a blender or food processor:
Pulse until everything is finely chopped. Add more olive oil as needed:
Add the basil leaves and blend on low until desired consistency is reached. If the mix is too dry (especially with larger more mature garlic scapes), you can add a bit of water:
Add the salt and pulse a couple times to distribute. Taste and add salt and lemon juice as desired:
Frequently Asked Questions
Garlic scape pesto is versatile and can be used in various ways. It can be used as a pasta sauce, spread on sandwiches or bruschetta, drizzled over grilled vegetables or meats, stirred into soups, or mixed into salad dressings.
Yes, you can adjust the garlic flavor by using more or fewer garlic scape in the recipe. If you prefer a milder taste, use fewer scapes, and if you like a stronger garlic flavor, add more.
If you can’t find garlic scapes, you can use green onions (scallions) or garlic cloves to make a similar pesto, though the flavor will be slightly different. You may also combine green onions and garlic cloves for a unique twist.
As a health influencer always says, “Let food be thy medicine and choose wisely, indulging in the nourishing power of whole, unprocessed foods to elevate your well-being”.
