Garlic Scapes

If you have garlic growing in your garden, this is the time of year that 'garlic scapes' are in season if you are in south western Ontario or in a similar climate.  Garlic scapes are the flower shoots coming out of the garlic foliage   They are very flavourful, nutritious, and a great addition to any stir fry.  Garlic scapes have a sharp onion flavour with a hint of garlic.  As with garlic and onions, the sharpness will decrease towards sweetness the longer they are cooked.  Here is a simple, nutritious, organic side dish for you and your family to enjoy these in-season treats:

Ingredients:

1) 8 garlic scapes (discard flower head and cut into 2" pieces)
2) 1 cup of Brown Rice (or Quinoa or Couscous)
3) 5 thin stalks of Rhubarb (Cut into 2" pieces)
4) 20 asparagus (Cut into 2" pieces)
5) 1 small onion (minced)
6) 1 tsp. of lemon zest
7) 2 tsp. of lemon juice
8) 2-3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
9) 2 tbsp of agave (or honey)
10) A pinch of salt and pepper
11) 1 tsp of thyme
12) 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts

Directions:

1) Prepare rice as per directions
2) In a mixing bowl - combine garlic scapes, rhubarb, asparagus, onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, agave, salt & pepper, and thyme.  Saute for 6-8 minutes.
3) Toast pine nuts
4) Combine all ingredients with brown rice and top with toasted pine nuts.

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