What to do with Garlic SCAPES?!

Most people are familiar with garlic, but less familiar with garlic scapes! Garlic scapes are the stalks that grow out of garlic bulbs. They can flower, but are often harvested before their flowers bloom. Scapes are similar to chives in their less potent garlicky flavor. They are similar to spring onions in their texture, shape and color. 

Scapes can often be characterized as a ‘forgotten vegetables’ as they are objectively not practical to the average consumer. However, scapes can be used for many different dishes! They can act as a garnish, they can be part of a salad or they can be the center stage of a soup. This post is meant to outline the many different ways in which scapes can be incorporated into various everyday meals!

As a ‘Garnish...’

Great topping for salads, stir fries, sauces! Can be mixed with melted butter and spread on bread for a kind of 'garlic bread’ side. Delicious addition on top of pizzas as well!

As a ‘Sauce....’

Scapes can be used to make a great pesto! 

Here’s a recipe: https://www.thespruceeats.com/delicious-and-easy-garlic-scape-pesto-848204 

They can make a mean chimichuri sauce for your Friday night steak as well!

The link: http://thecreeksidecook.com/garlic-scape-chimichurri-sauce/

As a ‘Main dish or Side...’

You can pretty much do anything with scapes. They are great grilled, sautéed, baked, you name it! 

Here is a recipe for simple grilled scapes!  Note, this recipe can be adjusted to meet any quantity of scapes you have.

Grilled Scapes

Ingredients: 

1.5 lbs garlic scapes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black truffle salt (optional garnish)

ground pepper (optional garnish)

What to do:

1. Cut off ends of scape stalks, including the bulb.

2. Either cut scapes into long pieces or keep them whole. 

3. Place scapes into a bowl and massage them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.

4. Put the grill on medium heat and oil a grill basket or the grill. Place the scapes onto the grill. 

5. Allow scapes to cook for about 10 minutes, turn them when appropriate. 

6. Allow to cool and eat them as a side or chop them and put them in a salad! 

link: https://homemadeandyummy.com/garlic-scapes-recipe/ 

You can even whip up some Tempura Garlic Scapes with scape aloi, wow!!

Link: https://food52.com/recipes/29980-tempura-garlic-scapes-with-garlic-scape-aioli 

Try scapes in a soup -- Potato Garlic Scape Soup even! 

Recipe: https://itsavegworldafterall.com/potato-garlic-scape-soup/ 

Scapes are versatile and flavorful if prepared correctly. For more advice on how to prepare scapes, feel free to reach out to us! Happy cooking, all!!