garlic scape recipe
The Best garlic scape recipe
This recipe is perfect for so many reasons. It’s not just a quick meal, it’s a way to use up something that would otherwise go to waste, and that’s always a win in my book. My family loves the way the scapes add a bright, slightly sweet kick to the dish, balancing out the richness of the eggs or the savory notes of the chicken. It’s something you can make for a casual weeknight dinner or dress up for a weekend gathering—just a little extra garnish on the plate makes it feel special without being fancy. And the health benefits? Oh, they’re practically a bonus. Garlic scapes are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, and they’re low in calories but high in flavor. Plus, they’re a great way to get more nutrients from your garden without the fuss of cooking with raw garlic. My kids swear by it, and honestly, so do I—it’s that good.
Garlic Scapes Pasta with Lemon & Herb Sauce
A fresh and flavorful pasta dish featuring garlic scapes, brightened with lemon zest and fresh herbs. Light, aromatic, and perfect for spring.
🥘Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) whole wheat or chickpea pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic scapes, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Extra parsley, chopped
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. -
2
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic scapes and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. -
3
Reduce heat to low, add lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and lemon zest is incorporated. -
4
Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. -
5
Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or olive oil if needed. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with grated Parmesan, fresh lemon wedges, and extra parsley.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet
- Fine grater or microplane
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pasta cooker or pot
- Serving plates
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Tips
- Garlic scapes are edible and have a mild garlic flavor. If unavailable, substitute with fresh chives or green onions.
- For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup (25g) of crumbled feta cheese at the end.
- Make ahead: The sauce can be prepared 1 day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
- Use lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor in the sauce.
Storage: {“pasta”:”Store cooked pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.”,”sauce”:”Store sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before combining with pasta.”}
Watch Video Of How Garlic Scapes Pasta with Lemon & Herb Sauce Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Scapes Pasta with Lemon & Herb Sauce
1. What is the difference between garlic scapes and regular garlic bulbs?
Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that grow above garlic bulbs during the spring and summer months. Unlike regular garlic bulbs, which are harvested when fully matured (typically in late summer or fall), garlic scapes are harvested young and tender, usually when they’re about 6–10 inches long. They’re essentially the plant’s flower stalks and are rich in nutrients like sulfur compounds, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a flavorful addition to cooking.
2. When is the best time to harvest garlic scapes?
The best time to harvest garlic scapes is when they’re about 6–10 inches long and the lower leaves are starting to yellow—this indicates they’re ripe but still tender. If you wait too long, the scapes will become woody and bitter. Harvesting them early ensures you get the best texture and flavor. Use sharp scissors or pruners to snip them just above the bulb, leaving a few inches of stem intact.
3. Can I use garlic scapes in place of garlic in any recipe?
Yes, you can! Garlic scapes have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to mature garlic, but they work well in many dishes. They’re particularly great in:
– Pesto (mix with basil, nuts, and olive oil)
– Garlic scape pesto pasta
– Stuffed scapes (with cheese, breadcrumbs, or herbs)
– Sautéed scapes (with olive oil, lemon, and herbs)
– Soup or stew bases (they add depth without overpowering)
For strong garlic flavors, reduce the amount slightly since scapes are less concentrated.
4. How do I store garlic scapes properly?
Fresh garlic scapes can be stored in a few ways:
– Refrigerator (best for short-term use): Place them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture—lasts about 1–2 weeks.
– Freezing: Blanch scapes for 2–3 minutes in boiling water, cool in ice water, then freeze in a sealed bag. They’ll keep for months.
– Drying: Strip leaves, tie into bundles, and hang in a dry, dark place to dry completely—retains flavor for months.
– Preserving in oil: Simmer scapes in olive oil with herbs and garlic for a flavorful spread (lasts weeks in the fridge).
5. What are some creative ways to use garlic scapes beyond cooking?
While cooking is the most common use, garlic scapes have other fun applications:
– Herbal tea: Steep dried scapes in hot water for a mild, earthy tea (great for digestion).
– Natural air freshener: Bundle fresh scapes and hang them in closets or drawers for a subtle, fresh scent.
– Skincare: The antioxidants in scapes can be infused into homemade face masks (diluted, as they’re potent).
– Garden companion: Plant them near tomatoes or peppers to deter pests naturally.
– Fermented snacks: Pickle scapes with vinegar, salt, and spices for a tangy snack.
