Garlic Scape Pesto (Printable)
Vibrant sauce with fresh garlic scapes, basil, and pine nuts.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fresh Produce
01 - 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
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 Make:
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 drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube. Continue processing until the sauce reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
03 - Taste the pesto and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Transfer the finished pesto to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get that delicious garlic flavor without the harsh aftertaste of raw cloves.
- It comes together in under ten minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout.
02 -
- Over-blending can heat up the mixture and turn the basil brown, so stop as soon as the oil is incorporated.
- Always add the oil last to ensure the texture emulsifies properly rather than separating.
03 -
- Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry pan before blending to deepen their flavor significantly.
- If the pesto is too thick, loosen it with a teaspoon of water or more oil rather than adding more cheese.