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Garlic scape hummus is my favorite way to celebrate early summer farmers market finds and brighten up a classic dip. This creamy blend is vibrant with the mellow garlic of scapes and finished with a lemony zing. Even if you have never tried garlic scapes before this is the simplest gateway to fall in love.
My first batch of garlic scape hummus was sparked by curiosity and a surplus of scapes in my CSA share. That earthy green flavor with a hint of nutty richness had neighbors asking for the recipe all summer long.
Ingredients
- Cooked chickpeas: canned or home-cooked look for beans that hold their shape and have a creamy interior
- Garlic scapes: fresh and bright choose stalks that are snappy and free from wilt
- Fresh lemon juice: this adds tartness and balance squeeze your own for maximum freshness
- Extra virgin olive oil: smooth and full flavored choose good quality for the best silky texture
- Fine sea salt: essential for rounding out the flavor use to taste
- Sweet Hungarian paprika: infuses a warm mild note prefer bright red finely ground paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any tinny flavor and ensure smoothness. Rinse and slice the garlic scapes or chop garlic cloves. Squeeze the lemon juice just before blending for brightness.
- Layer for blending:
- Start by adding lemon juice and olive oil to your blender this helps everything blend easier and keeps the mixture from sticking. Add chickpeas sliced garlic scapes or garlic cloves sea salt and sweet paprika on top.
- Blend until smooth:
- Process on high scraping down the sides as needed until your hummus is completely silky and there are no chunks remaining. This may take up to two minutes depending on your blender.
- Taste and adjust:
- Pause to taste and add more salt or lemon if you prefer a brighter or saltier hummus. If your hummus seems thick blend in a little water or olive oil one tablespoon at a time until you get your desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish:
- Spoon the hummus into a bowl and use the back of a spoon to swirl the top. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with more paprika flaky salt and sliced scapes or fresh herbs for a festive finish.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the discovery of garlic scapes. The first time my daughter tried it she grabbed a whole carrot and scooped up an entire swirl. We all laughed and chased the last bit from the bowl with pita chips.
Storage Tips
Store your garlic scape hummus in an airtight container in the fridge and it will stay fresh for up to five days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface for an extra layer of protection. If it thickens just stir in a splash of water before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have garlic scapes you can use regular garlic cloves but start with fewer and add to taste. For added richness toss in a tablespoon of tahini or splash in a bit of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Red pepper flakes are perfect if you want a touch of heat instead of sweet paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Spread it inside sandwiches or on toast for a plant based boost. Use as a dip alongside crisp veggies pita chips or pretzels for parties. Try dolloping it on grain bowls or salads for a savory punch.
Cultural and Historical Context
Hummus has roots throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean but garlic scapes add a new world touch. Scapes are the flowering shoots of garlic plants and used to be overlooked until farmers markets boosted their popularity. Now they signal the best of spring and early summer cooking.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch up the fresh herb garnish by season using parsley dill or basil. Roast scapes before blending for a smoky take on the original. Serve this cold in summer or gently warmed in winter for a twist.
Success Stories
Last summer I brought a big bowl of garlic scape hummus to a potluck and it was gone before any other dish. One friend confided it was their new favorite way to enjoy local garlic. Now everyone texts me when scapes pop up at the farmers market.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze your hummus by packing it in a freezer safe container leaving an inch of space at the top. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving. The flavors remain fresh and the texture stays creamy as long as you do not over whip when reheating.
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Garlic scape hummus is a delicious way to highlight early summer produce and elevate your snack game. Enjoy every creamy bite as a celebration of fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I use instead of garlic scapes?
Chopped garlic cloves make an excellent substitute for garlic scapes. Adjust quantity to taste for similar flavor.
- → How can I achieve smoother texture?
Blend ingredients on high speed, and consider peeling chickpeas or adding a splash of water for extra creaminess.
- → Can I add extra toppings for serving?
Absolutely! Drizzle with more olive oil, sprinkle flaky salt or paprika, and scatter sliced scapes or fresh herbs.
- → Is this spread best served cold or at room temperature?
It tastes great both ways, but serving at room temperature enhances flavors and texture.
- → How long can I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days to maintain freshness and taste.