Garlic Scapes Pesto

Posted on July 12, 2015 by ChgoJohn

* * *

With apologies, this blog entry, incomplete though it may be, was posted today in error. The recipe is complete, however. See you all soon.

Garlic Scapes Pesto Recipe

yield: about 1 cup (200 ml)

Ingredients

3 oz (86 g) fresh garlic scapes — about a dozen, depending upon size
1.5 oz (43 g) fresh basil leaves (see Notes)
3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
zest of 1/2 lemon
Pecorino Roman cheese, grated (see Notes)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (see Notes)
salt & pepper to taste

* * *

Notes

I used a 2:1 ratio of garlic scapes to basil leaves. In retrospect, I should have gone 3:1. Although the pesto was flavorful, it wasn’t quite garlicky enough for my tastes.

For this amount of pesto, I would have used about 1/2 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

If I were to use this pesto immediately, I would have at least doubled the amount of extra virgin olive oil used above.

Because this recipe creates a paste, its yield is about 1/3 less than it would be if the grated cheese and all of the oil were added during preparation.

* * *

It’s déjà vu all over again …

Today’s look back features Pasta al Salmone, Pasta with Salmon. I first tasted this delicious pasta while in Italy for the first time and it was love at first bite. It took me a number of years to replicate that dish but I finally did and now I can enjoy Pasta al Salmone without having to deal with airports and surly flight attendants. You can see the recipe by clicking HERE.

* * *

43 thoughts on “Garlic Scapes Pesto”

kwall732 on July 12, 2015 at 12:57 pm said:

The photo looks like a painting – even if I didn’t already love garlic scapes, I would want to ge out and bring the beauties into my life

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- ChgoJohn on July 13, 2015 at 12:59 am said:
  
  That’s very kind of you. Thanks.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Chica Andaluza on July 12, 2015 at 1:02 pm said:

I have been thinking so much of you in the last week or so – do hope you are ok? Sending a big hug (and love the pesto!) x

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Mad Dog on July 12, 2015 at 1:07 pm said:

Nice to see you back John. That pesto sounds delicious 😉

LikeLike

Reply ↓
bitsandbreadcrumbs on July 12, 2015 at 1:45 pm said:

Like Tanya, I have been thinking of you. Hope all is well and that your time away from blogging has been all about relaxing, enjoying life and having fun. This pesto looks delicious!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
anotherday2paradise on July 12, 2015 at 1:53 pm said:

Great to see you again, John. What delicious photos. 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
imagesbytdashfield on July 12, 2015 at 1:55 pm said:

I was about to send out the hounds to come and find you! Good to see you again.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Tasty Eats Ronit Penso on July 12, 2015 at 1:59 pm said:

I felt that something was missing…
Looking forward to the rest of the post. Nice to see you back! 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Ruth on July 12, 2015 at 1:59 pm said:

So good to see the Bartolini kitchens’ post on the blog!
Looking forward to Pistachio Gelato.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Angeline M on July 12, 2015 at 2:30 pm said:

You’ve set off a firestorm! I missed you too. See you soon.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
sallybr on July 12, 2015 at 2:34 pm said:

It’s definitely nice to see you again…. I literally screamed when I saw the email with new post notification…

complete or incomplete, WELCOME BACK to my computer screen!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
kitchenriffs on July 12, 2015 at 2:35 pm said:

Good to see you post again. Even in an incomplete form. 😉 Good recipe, though — love garlic scapes, although I’ve never used them in pesto. But I will!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
spree on July 12, 2015 at 2:45 pm said:

Some people (without even trying – even by accident) put a smile on a face. You do that John – and you did again today. Lovely to find your post in my box today! Hoping all is well and better than well! Take care. spree

LikeLike

Reply ↓
yummyinsidemytummy on July 12, 2015 at 3:10 pm said:

Is there a good substitute for pine nuts?

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply ↓
- ChgoJohn on July 12, 2015 at 3:43 pm said:
  
  Yes, I’ve used either walnuts or almonds. Both work well.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
MamaD1xx4xy on July 12, 2015 at 3:42 pm said:

This looks delicious! So happy to see you back in the blogging world!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
EllaDee on July 12, 2015 at 3:48 pm said:

I had only been thinking about garlic scopes the other day… as you do! One day I will encounter them, and know exactly where to look for what to do with them 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Bam's Kitchen on July 12, 2015 at 8:15 pm said:

Bonjourno John! Good to see you post today even if it was incomplete. Thinking of you and sending some positive thoughts your way!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Eha on July 12, 2015 at 8:32 pm said:

Hello John: won’t say the obvious about being glad to see a beloved and familiar name on board again. One of these days you can tell all of us the exciting ways [or not 🙂 you have spent your past weeks and days . . .meanwhile have to file this as 80kph winds and freezing conditions are conducive neither to garlic scopes or beautiful basil! All the best . . .

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Saskia (1=2) on July 12, 2015 at 8:42 pm said:

John! Welcome back. Add me to the list of folks who have missed you. Great to see The Bartolini Kitchens in my inbox. Your pesto looks delish. I have never seen garlic scapes for sale here in Aus though – I may just need to grow them, as I’m mightily intrigued.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Fae's Twist & Tango on July 12, 2015 at 8:42 pm said:

Good to see you, John! 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
thecompletebook on July 13, 2015 at 1:59 am said:

This is so freaky! You have been on my mind so much lately and I have wanted to send you a message to see how things are and then you post.
Hope all well John. Miss your posts. Love to you and Max.
🙂 Mandy xoxo

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Bluejellybeans on July 13, 2015 at 5:34 am said:

Hi John! What a great recipe this is. Thanks for sharing 🙂
A few weeks ago I made vegan pesto for my daughter Isabel and it was delicious… now I’m tempted to make the real thing…
Take care. Sorry for my long absence from the blogosphere 😘

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Norma Chang on July 13, 2015 at 7:45 am said:

Welcome back, missed you and hope all is well.
Garlic scape is over for this year but saving recipe for next spring.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Kristy on July 13, 2015 at 8:30 am said:

This sounds delicious John! I know a particular boy in our house that would LOVE this! Hope all is well and that you are having a good summer. Miss you!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Jasline @ Foodie Baker on July 13, 2015 at 9:05 am said:

Welcome back John! You’ve been dearly missed. And it looks like you are coming back with a big bang, this pesto looks delicious!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Chef Amy at Remke Markets on July 13, 2015 at 10:29 am said:

I love this John, good to see you here, hope your summer is going well, take care!!! Cheers!! 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
StefanGourmet on July 13, 2015 at 3:09 pm said:

You must be psychic, because just the other day I was about to send you an e-mail to make sure you were still around. So I was really glad to see this post. Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you again soon!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef on July 13, 2015 at 8:16 pm said:

Lovely to see your face in my feed. I love garlic scape pesto and I hope to have some soon when this darned winter is over. 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
hotlyspiced on July 13, 2015 at 10:45 pm said:

Lovely to hear from you again, John. I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are. I had never heard of garlic scapes until I saw them on your blog. I have been trying to work out if we can buy them here but have so far been unsuccessful. It looks like they turn into a wonderful pesto that would be perfect with pasta xx

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Coffee and Crumpets on July 14, 2015 at 1:31 am said:

I thought it was a bit strange…just a recipe and no John! Hope you are well and it’s good to see you back. Love this incomplete recipe too 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- ChgoJohn on July 18, 2015 at 9:06 am said:
  
  Hello, Nazneen. I’m not quite back but will be, hopefully, in a few weeks. My special project is finally in the last stages. I’m just glad that this recipe went out relatively complete. I’ve a few “in the works” that are only partially written. Had one of them posted, my sanity may have come into question.
  
  By the way, I loved your cherry ice recipe and, just this morning, went to the farmers market and came home with a bucket of pitted tart cherries. I bet they would be wonderful in your recipe. I will let you know!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Food,Photography & France on July 14, 2015 at 5:16 am said:

Wonderful…and at last I know what scapes are:)

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply ↓
- ChgoJohn on July 18, 2015 at 9:00 am said:
  
  Hey, Roger. I didn’t know anything about scapes either until I started blogging. Now they’re as big a part of my Springtime menu as are asparagus.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
gastrogardener on July 14, 2015 at 8:38 am said:

Good to see you John, that looks delicious!. I’ve already harvested my garlic. It’s drying on a screen in the garage!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Eva Taylor on July 14, 2015 at 8:43 pm said:

I know we’ve been in contact , but I’m damn HAPPY that you’re back. Missed your recipes! We adore pesto, would love to have pesto scapes, but sadly my garlic growing days are over. So it’ll have to be ordinary pesto unless of course…our doors are open, as always! ❤️

LikeLike

Reply ↓
mjskit on July 15, 2015 at 9:58 pm said:

I bought some garlic scapes last year for the first time and loved them. Now I can see I need to buy some more. This pesto sounds awesome John!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- ChgoJohn on July 18, 2015 at 8:58 am said:
  
  Thanks, MJ. I ran into some bad luck with my knee and was only able to buy 1 bunch of scapes this season. Drat! I’m just glad I had enough to make this pesto and a dish of pasta. I’ll do better next year!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Silver Screenings on July 16, 2015 at 8:37 pm said:

I am glad you posted this mini post because last week I made risotto, thanks to your recipe. I tried it once before and was not happy with it. However, I gave it another go last week and LOVED IT! It was superb!! Just wanted to say Thank You, and Welcome Back. 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- ChgoJohn on July 18, 2015 at 8:56 am said:
  
  Good to see you, Ruth, and so very glad you stuck with it and made risotto. Like many things, there’s a knack to making this dish and, once you’ve hit the mark, you’re golden. Thanks for dropping by to tell me. I’m not quite back yet, however. I’m still working on a project that must be kept secret for now. It’s beginning to wind down, however, and I hope to be able to start blogging again in the near future. I miss y’all!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Gather and Graze on July 20, 2015 at 6:42 am said:

So very happy to see you back John and hope that all is well with you and your family! I’ve been away the past week on holidays and today have been trying to catch up on all the posts I’ve missed… seeing this post has absolutely made my day! 🙂 Look forward to reading more from you soon. Cheers, Margot

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Dina on July 31, 2015 at 2:31 am said:

Hope everything is fine with you. All the best for your knee!
Best regards, Dina x

LikeLike

Reply ↓
richardmcgary on August 11, 2015 at 11:14 am said:

Love the photo John. It’s picture perfect. 🙂 I have never made a pesto with garlic scapes although I don’t know why. I’ve used the leaves for pesto and numerous other ways, just not the scapes. I will have to try it next Spring when the garlic blooms again.
Good to see you back and looking forward to hearing about the special “top secret” project that has kept you away. As everyone has noted, you have been missed.

LikeLike

Reply ↓