This season, my garlic scapes have arrived in abundance, so what better way to celebrate their garlicky goodness than with a rich, flavorful garlic scape pesto? – Welcome back to the Serendipity Farmhouse kitchen, where fresh ingredients and simple techniques come together to create something magical!
You may be wondering—what exactly is a garlic scape? These are the flowering stems of hardneck garlic plants, harvested to encourage larger bulbs. Their flavor? Milder and slightly sweet, with a firm texture that makes them perfect for pesto.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite farmhouse pesto recipe, featuring my preferred nut choice—walnuts. They add just the right amount of creaminess and depth, balancing beautifully with basil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil.
But what’s a cooking adventure without a taste test from my trusty sous chef — Chef Fuzzy? That’s right, he’ll be giving his own humorous review on how garlic scape pesto stacks up against traditional basil pesto. Let’s dive in!
Perfect Pairings – The Farmhouse Feast
To fully appreciate this pesto, I paired it with rigatoni pasta, and let me tell you—this choice was spot-on! The rigid shape and hollow center hold onto the pesto beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with that garlicky goodness.
For a complete meal, I served it with:
🥖 Fresh sourdough bread – A rustic, chewy contrast to the creamy pesto.
🥗 Simple garden salad – Adding crisp freshness to balance the rich sauce.
🍷 A glass of red wine – The perfect complement to the bold garlic notes.
Sous Chef Fuzzy’s Taste Test – His Verdict?
No farm kitchen would be complete without a lighthearted taste test, and that’s where Chef Fuzzy comes in! While I was savoring the pesto’s subtle sweetness and vibrant flavor, he had his own opinion—creamier than regular pesto, with a unique bite that sets it apart.
Of course, his final approval came in the form of an empty plate (and a very satisfied expression).
Watch the Full Garlic Scape Pesto Video on YouTube!
Want to see it all come together with behind-the-scenes kitchen fun? Watch the full Serendipity Farmhouse Test Kitchen video where I demonstrate the process step-by-step.
📌 Watch now:
📌 Follow our farmhouse adventures: SerendipityFarmhouse.com Drop a comment and let me know how you use garlic scape pesto! Would you tweak the recipe? Swap the walnuts for pine nuts? Try it on pizza? Let’s talk flavors!
Classic Garlic Scape Pesto
Notes
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- Nut Substitutions: If walnuts aren’t available, try almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor.
- Blending Tips: Pulse ingredients first before adding olive oil gradually to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Flavor Adjustments: Add extra lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze in small portions for longer shelf life.
- Serving Ideas: Use as a pasta sauce, spread on sandwiches, or mix into soups for a garlicky boost.
Ingredients
- - 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
- - ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- - ⅓ cup cashews
- - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- - ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- - ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend the garlic scapes and basil for about 30 seconds.
- Add the cashews and pulse for another 30 seconds.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while processing.
- Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Use as a pasta sauce, pizza topping, or spread on crusty bread. Enjoy!
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