Broccoli-Garlic Scape Pesto with Linguini

I know. I'm the 700th person to write about garlic scape pesto. I can't help it! It's so lovely, and I just discovered it. After staring down the scapes when we got home from the farmer's market, they still didn't tell me which end of them to use. A quick taste provided the answer: before using the scape, lop off the end with the bud. The rest of the veg can be used.

I've seen many great recipes on other blogs for scape pesto... but they seemed so... garlicky. Even though I am a huge garlic fan, I was a little daunted by the prospect of a sauce of purely raw, unadulterated garlic. Hence the addition of broccoli.

Pestos are traditionally uncooked sauces, which make them perfect for the summer. The standard pesto usually involves basil, nuts (usually pine or walnut), olive oil, and parmesan cheese. I did steam the broccoli before running it through the food processor, but besides that, this sauce is incredibly quick and easy.

Broccoli-Garlic Scape Pesto with Linguini

Ingredients:

2-3 c steamed broccoli (run 1 c under cold water to cool)

1 c chopped garlic scapes (from about 7-9 strands)

2-4 TB olive oil

1/3 c toasted almonds

1/3 c grated parmesan

salt and pepper

1/4 lemon

1/2 lb linguini

Preparation:

In food processor, combine almonds, garlic scape, and 1c cooled, steamed broccoli. Drizzle olive oil in, and combine. Remove mixture from food processor, and mix in parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook linguini in well salted water. Reserve at least a cup of water from pot before draining. Drain pasta. Return pasta to pot, and mix with pesto, and 2 c steamed, chopped broccoli florets. Add pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Drizzle with lemon juice, and serve with additional parmesan cheese. Serves 4.