Laurie’s Scape Pesto

EASY SCAPE PESTO RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 10 chopped up scapes (or substitute 2 cups of chopped basil for scapes for a wonderful Basil Pesto).

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.

• Raw or roasted nuts (I like to use pecans, walnuts or pine nuts) to taste. Start with a few walnuts or a 3 Tbsp. pine nuts. I saute the nuts beforehand on moderate heat with a little olive oil for a full roasted flavor.

• 3 to 4 Tablespoons fresh parmesan

• 1 medium-sized clove of fresh garlic

• Black pepper to taste

   

DIRECTIONS

Blender Method

Mix/Chop ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy.

Drizzle in more olive oil or adjust garlic, pine nuts and parmesan to desired taste.

Mortar and Pestle Method

Combine the garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle and pound to a paste. Add nuts a few at a time and grind down to a paste with each addition. Add the basil leaves, a handful at a time, grinding down to a paste with each addition. Add the cheese and drizzle in the olive oil. Combine well until emulsified.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Pesto is delicious on pasta or with roasted vegetables, or for making Bruschetta – just slather the pesto onto a thin slice of crusty sourdough and top with a little chopped heirloom tomato and fresh mozzarella and broil for a minute or two for a fabulous appetizer.

Pesto keeps well in the freezer. Some prefer to store it in ice cube trays which makes it easier to parcel into small cubes, and I prefer an 8 oz. canning jar and dollop it out as needed.

It’s delicious added to hummus or pizza, or just eat it by the spoonful straight up!

HEALTH BENEFITS

Pesto is a nutrient-dense superfood. Health benefits include:

• Fresh basil is a powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants and is also known to be anti-inflammatory and has natural anti-bacterial infection-fighting properties.

• Garlic has been used for centuries to treat infection and illness. It’s also been shown to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, improve bone health, and other benefits.

• Olive oil ranks as one of the healthiest cooking oils/fats. It‘s full of monounsaturated fats that are shown to help reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol and promote heart health. It’s full of antioxidants and has protective effects against stroke and cancer.