Don’t let those garlic scapes go to waste! This Garlic Scape Relish is a vibrant and flavorful way to preserve the unique taste of early summer garlic. Its bright, zesty profile makes it a versatile condiment you’ll want to slather on everything.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Garlic Scape Relish is incredibly easy to make, providing a delicious way to use a seasonal ingredient. It offers a delightful punch of garlicky flavor without the pungency of raw garlic, making it perfect for those who enjoy a milder but still distinct garlic taste. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile, elevating a variety of dishes with its unique zest.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh garlic scapes, trimmed and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the garlic scapes: Wash the garlic scapes thoroughly and trim off any tough ends. Roughly chop them into smaller pieces.
2. Combine ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped garlic scapes, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
3. Process until desired consistency: Pulse the ingredients until the mixture is finely chopped and has a relish-like consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or process it until smoother, depending on your preference.
4. Taste and adjust: Taste the relish and adjust seasonings if needed. You might want to add a little more vinegar for tang, honey for sweetness, or salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a jar: Spoon the Garlic Scape Relish into a clean, airtight jar.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh, tender garlic scapes. If your scapes are a bit tough, you might need to blanch them briefly before processing to soften them. Don’t over-process the relish, as it can become too mushy. A slightly textured relish is often more appealing. Ensure your jar is very clean to keep the relish fresh for longer.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with different vinegars, such as white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, for a slightly different tang. For a sweeter relish, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup. If you don’t have honey, agave nectar can also be used. For added complexity, consider adding a bit of fresh lemon zest or a clove of fresh garlic for a more intense flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Scape Relish is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic as a spread on sandwiches and burgers, as a topping for grilled meats and fish, or stirred into pasta salads and grain bowls. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, as a dip for crudités, or alongside cheese boards.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store Garlic Scape Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 2-3 weeks, and the flavor often melds and improves over time. This relish is not typically frozen, as the texture may change upon thawing. Reheating is generally not necessary, as it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.

FAQ

What are garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are the flower stalks of hardneck garlic plants. They are harvested in early summer before the garlic bulb fully matures. They have a milder, sweeter garlic flavor with hints of onion and asparagus.

How long does Garlic Scape Relish last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Garlic Scape Relish can last for about 2 to 3 weeks. Ensure it’s always refrigerated.

Can I make this relish without a food processor?

Yes, you can mince the garlic scapes very finely by hand with a sharp knife and then combine them with the other ingredients. The texture will be chunkier, but it will still be delicious.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey, the recipe is entirely vegan.

Garlic Scape Relish

A vibrant and flavorful relish made from fresh garlic scapes, perfect for topping grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 ounces

Course: Appetizer, Condiment

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 75

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Garlic Scape Relish

• 2 cups garlic scapes trimmed and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Instructions

1. Prepare the garlic scapes by trimming off the tough ends and any flower buds. Roughly chop the remaining scape into manageable pieces.
2. In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic scapes, finely diced red bell pepper, and finely diced red onion. Pulse until finely minced but not puréed.
3. Add the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse again until well combined and the mixture resembles a relish.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
5. Transfer the relish to a clean jar or serving dish. For best flavor, let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, before serving.

Notes

This relish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.