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Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe with Parmesan and Pine Nuts

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A quick and easy homemade pesto sauce featuring fresh garlic scapes, parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. This vibrant and punchy sauce is perfect for spring and early summer cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup chopped fresh garlic scapes (about 100g)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (about 50g), preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts (about 50g)
  • ⅓ to ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (80–120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt, adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons water to loosen pesto if needed

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Rinse the garlic scapes well and chop into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
  3. Add chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the food processor bowl.
  4. Pulse 5-6 times to break down ingredients, then slowly drizzle in olive oil (⅓ to ½ cup) while the machine runs until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Scrape down the sides with a spatula. If pesto is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or more olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Blend for another 20-30 seconds until smooth but still slightly textured.
  7. Transfer pesto to a bowl or jar. Use immediately or refrigerate. For storage, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing to keep it vibrant.

Notes

Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh garlic scapes for best flavor and color. Add olive oil gradually to control consistency. Store pesto with a thin olive oil layer on top to prevent browning. Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, homemade pesto, parmesan pesto, pine nuts, spring recipe, easy sauce, fresh pesto

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/fresh-garlic-scape-pesto-recipe-with-parmesan-and-pine-nuts-easy-homemade-sauce/