The other night I used the garlic scape in a fit of desperation – wanting the garlic flavor but nary a clove to be found in the house. A delicious dinner to be sure, it wasn’t the best show case for this spring delicacy. So today, the experiments began in earnest.
I queried my friends for suggestions – most of the recipe suggestions in cyberspace are for pesto – and Daniel suggested stir-fried with kale, bacon and lemon. With the kale ready for its first harvest, this was a great variation of my favorite kale recipe, and a great way to pull together the flavors of the garden.
Kale Sautéed with Bacon, Scapes and Lemon
2 slices bacon, diced½ pound kale, coarsely chopped
2 – 3 garlic scapes, chopped
¼ tsp. chili flakes (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and pepper to taste.
Heat a large a large skillet. Add the bacon and cook until the fat starts to render, and the bacon begins to brown. Drain off excess fat.
To the bacon pan, add the scapes and chili flakes, and then the kale. Cook for 3 minutes, or until kale is wilted and tender.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Squeeze lemon on top just before serving.
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm constantly trying to dream up scape ideas that aren't the standard pesto too.
Posted by: Daniel | June 23, 2010 at 11:55 AM
This recipe sounds awesome Julia. Love the balance of flavors.
LL
Posted by: Lori Lynn | June 23, 2010 at 04:50 PM
Old recipe reminds you all the things since when you was a kid.
Posted by: Health Insurance | June 23, 2010 at 06:46 PM
This sounds great. This year, I swear I'm going to learn how to cook kale until it is actually tender and flavorful.
Posted by: T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types | June 23, 2010 at 09:11 PM
I definitely need to eat more kale, too. Keep giving us great rrcipes like this one -- it will nudge me in the right direction.
Posted by: Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) | June 23, 2010 at 09:27 PM