In my experience, people fall into one of two categories when it comes to garlic scapes, either they love them – or they don’t know what to do with them.
Those in the latter category are certainly not alone, and understandably so. Garlic scapes are elusive, their time with us is brief. Unless you grow garlic yourself, or frequent a farmers’ market, chances are you’ve never seen them before.
If you are fortunate to have access to these beautiful green tendrils, and don’t quite know what to do with them, read on!
What is a Garlic Scape?
A garlic scape is the flower stalk that grows out from the head of garlic. It’s slender and green with a curliecue stem, topped with a bud. They are a bit milder in flavor than garlic, and can be enjoyed roasted as snack or appetizer, or as an ingredient when you want to add a slight garlicky kick.
I enjoy their playful shape with their unique bends and curves. So when I roast them, I cut them just once, usually right in the middle of the stem to make them more manageable while still maintaining their whimsical presentation; with the buds piled high on one side of a serving platter and the curliecue tendrils on the other.
Enjoy them Roasted!
You’ll want to roast them until they are crisp, but not burned. You’re looking for the delicate buds to crisp up and for the green stems to begin to brown in some spots. I find 475 F (246 C) for about 20-25 minutes does the trick. Ovens vary so keep your eye on them and use your judgment.
Roasting garlic scapes brings out their mild garlic flavor and makes for a beautiful side dish, and conversation piece, for your summer table. Pair with a good wine and your favorite summer fare.
I’d love to hear from you!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know what you think. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Be sure to tag me @chasingtheseasons so I can be sure to see it.
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Ingredients
- Garlic scapes, rinsed, long straggly parts from the buds discarded
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 F (218 C.). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the garlic scapes in half once and arrange on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, enough to massage on the scapes evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the tips turn golden brown and crisp. Serve hot or room temperature.
Notes
© chasingtheseasons. All images & content are copyright and trademark protected. Please do not use my photography without prior written permission. If you would like to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or kindly link back to this post for the recipe.
2 Comments
Lavonna Allee
Thank you!! I have lots of scapes did not know how to use them!!
Chasing the Seasons
This is an easy way to enjoy them, they pack big flavor! Enjoy! Let me know how they turn out.