Garlic scapes are the curly flower stalks of the garlic plant that have a mild, fresh garlic flavor. They can be prepared and cooked in multiple ways including grilling, sautéing, roasting, and making pesto. How to Prepare Garlic Scapes:
- Wash and pat dry the garlic scapes.
- Cut off the dry ends and the thick bulb ends.
- You can leave them whole or cut them into pieces depending on the recipe.
Popular Cooking Methods:
- Grilled Garlic Scapes:
- Toss with olive oil and season with salt.
- Grill for about 10 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
- Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of special salt like black truffle salt.
- Sautéed Garlic Scapes:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet.
- Add chopped garlic scapes and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 3-5 minutes, optionally adding a splash of water and covering to steam until tender.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Oven-Roasted Garlic Scapes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Toss scapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tips are golden and crisp.
- Garlic Scape Pesto:
- Blend garlic scapes with olive oil, lemon juice and zest, salt, and optional pine nuts, almonds, or parmesan cheese.
- Use as a spread or sauce, and it freezes well.
Garlic scapes are versatile and can be used as a vegetable side, in sauces, on pizza, or mixed into dishes for a milder garlic flavor compared to the bulb. They are tender with a texture somewhat like asparagus and a lovely mild garlic taste when cooked. These methods highlight the simple preparation and versatile uses of garlic scapes in fresh, flavorful dishes.
