Chef Johns Garlic Scape Pesto Recipes

There are lots of recipes people claim taste better if made by hand, but there's no easier case to prove that than pesto. The intensity of the flavors is beyond compare, and as if by some kind of magic, this gorgeous spread develops an addictive spiciness. You can taste each ingredient, and yet when smashed together, new and wonderful flavors are released.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Vegetarian

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

• Ingredients

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 6.2 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 169.4 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

The star of this pesto is the garlic plant's underappreciated second offering: the fleeting garlic scape. The ingredients are straightforward except for the substitution of sunflower seeds for pine nuts. The seeds are a fraction of the cost and do the job just as well. A food processor is a must for this recipe. For pesto, ingredient order matters. Start with the scapes and process for about 30 seconds. Add the seeds until they are broken down and mixed well with the scapes. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula for wandering bits. Next, pour in the olive oil. If you have Parmesan cheese in chunks, add it now, but if it is grated, wait until the scapes and seeds smooth out. If you're serving right away, add the basil and lemon juice. If not, hold back on the basil for now - otherwise the pesto will lose its vibrant color. Add generously to cooked spaghetti or spread on crusty bread.

Provided by Jeff Schwarz And Greg Kessler

Categories     easy, quick

Time 3m

Yield About 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

• Ingredients

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 773, UnsaturatedFat 49 grams, Carbohydrate 48 grams, Fat 61 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 219 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams

Garlic scapes, the curled flower from the top of a garlic plant, are abundant at farmers markets and CSAs (community supported agriculture shares) in spring and make an easy, fragrant pesto that can be spread on bread or crackers, put on pasta, used with fish, and as a substitute for garlic, onion, or scallions! Add to sandwiches, pasta, lamb, and fish dishes. Tastes great mixed with mayo.

Provided by amandajo

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 28

Number Of Ingredients 5

• Ingredients

Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Carbohydrate 5.6 g, Cholesterol 3.1 mg, Fat 8.8 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 2.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 57.5 mg, Sugar 0.3 g