This is such a lovely pesto, it is quite spicy but seriously addictive.
The first time I learned of garlic scapes I have been really intrigued by them. I wanted to try making a pesto with it, as I am obsessed with pesto. I was finally given the perfect opportunity to do it because one of my vendors at the farmers market had them. I was so excited he had them since I have never even had them before. Boy oh boy are they spicy, well at least these were!
I made this pesto just in time for a hike I was invited to along the river at The Garden Of Eden with a few friends and 2 babies. We had a nice picnic right by the river that consisted of this pesto, crackers, raw almonds, coconut Gouda, regular Gouda, apple slices, cucumber rolls and salad. There is nothing better than a picnic with friends. We have a great time.
Garlic scapes are the flower stalks that grow out of the garlic bulb
Recipe: Approx. 2 1/2 Cups
- 1/2 Cup Roasted Almonds
- 1 Cup Garlic Scapes – cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3/4 Cup Manchego Cheese – finely shredded
- 3/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt or to taste
Instructions:
Start by roasting the almonds, preheat the oven to 350 and put the almonds on a baking sheet and place on the middle shelf and bake for 20 minutes then remove and let cool.
When the almonds are completely cooled add them to the bowl of a food processor or blender along with the garlic scapes, cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to the bowl of a food processor or blender and puree making sure to scrap the sides a couple times.
Health Benefits:
Garlic scapes are high in fiber, vitamin B6, C and A. They help maintain healthy tissues and organs by bringing oxygen to the blood. The many allium compounds help prevent bone loss and fractures. They are also rich in sulfur and selenium, which, maintains healthy skin and helps prevent heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Garlic scapes have phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, which is immune boosting that helps suppress tumor and detoxify the body.
