Garlic Scape Hummus – How to Make this Seasonal Treat

If you are a hummus lover like me – give this tasty garlic scape hummus a try. As the late spring and early summer months roll around, fun curlicue garlic scapes start to appear in your garden if you grow garlic.  If you do not grow garlic, you can find garlic scapes at your local farmer’s market or specialty markets for a limited time.

These curly green shoots add a unique flavor to any dish. One of my favorite ways to use garlic scapes is by blending them into hummus, creating a delicious dip that is perfect for snacking or as a spread on sandwiches. This blog post will show you how to make garlic scape hummus from scratch.

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What are garlic scapes?   

Garlic scapes are the flower stalks that grow in the center of the garlic plant. Cutting them directs the plant’s energy to growing larger garlic bulbs. Once the garlic scapes have grown, they should be cut after the scape has grown and looped once or twice, forming a curlicue shape. Be sure to harvest the scapes before they begin to straighten and harden.

Garlic scapes have a mild garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness that goes perfectly with the creamy texture of hummus, making it a favorite garlic scapes recipe. They also add a vibrant green color to the dip, which makes it very appealing. If you want to enhance the flavor of your garlic scape hummus even more, you can add or top the hummus with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, green onion, or spices like cumin or smoked paprika.

If you’re not sure when to harvest or what to look for, the garlic scapes guide covers exactly when to cut, how far down to snip, and why timing matters for flavor.

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Garlic scape hummus is a healthy snack for several reasons:

• Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas): A primary ingredient in hummus, chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium.
• Garlic Scapes: These are the flower stalks of garlic plants and provide a milder garlic flavor, nutrients such as vitamins C and A, and antioxidants.
• High in Fiber: Both chickpeas and garlic scapes are high in fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Fiber helps keep you feeling full.
• Healthy Fats: Hummus includes tahini (sesame seed paste) and extra virgin olive oil, both of which are sources of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.
• Protein-Rich: Chickpeas provide a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and maintenance.
• Low Glycemic Index: Hummus has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It is good for maintaining a stable energy level.
• Antioxidants: Garlic scapes contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The ingredients in garlic scape hummus provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Versatility and Pairing: Hummus can be paired with various healthy and fresh vegetables, whole grain crackers, or used as a spread, making it a versatile and nutritious snack option.

Here is how to make garlic scape hummus

First, lets go over the ingredients you will need

• Garlic scapes –  1/2 Cup fresh garlic scapes, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• Garbanzo beans – 1 can, drained and rinsed
• Lemon – 4 tablespoons and zest
• Tahini – 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil – 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• Water – 2 tablespoons, cold
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Pepper – Fresh Ground 1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Ground
• Cayenne – Pinch to 1/8 teaspoon

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To make the hummus

1. Wash the garlic scapes and chop into 1-inch pieces.
2. Zest the lemon and then juice the lemon
3. In the bowl of a food processor or high speed blender, pulse garlic scapes for a few seconds.
4. Add the chopped garlic scapes, garbanzo beans, lemon juice, lemon zest, tahini, extra virgin olive oil, water, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper.   Blend until smooth.  Add more water or olive oil if you like the dip thinner.   Taste and adjust the seasonings with additional salt, black, and cayenne pepper as desired.

TIP: A high speed blender will make a smoother hummus, but you will need to add additional water or olive oil.

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Once your garlic scape hummus is ready, serve it with pita bread, pita chips, pretzels, crackers, or sliced vegetables, or spread it on sandwiches and wraps. The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying this seasonal treat.

Store the creamy hummus in an airtight container. I love using Weck jars, as they are airtight and pretty to serve out of.

Garlic scape hummus is a delicious and nutritious dip with a fun twist on the classic hummus recipe. Homemade hummus is quick, easy to make, and delicious, so skip the store-bought versions. When it is garlic scape season, try making this tasty garlic scape hummus recipe; it will become one of your favorite snacks.

FAQs

What makes a good bean substitute for garbanzo beans?

Black and cannellini beans are a good substitute to garbanzo beans since they have a mild flavor and smooth texture.

How long does hummus stay fresh?

Homemade hummus properly stored in the refrigerator will last 3-4 days.

What can tahini be substituted with?

Smooth peanut butter or almond butter are great substitutes for tahini.

Why is my homemade hummus not as smooth as store-bought?

Making the smooth hummus starts with removing the chickpea skins.  While rinsing your beans, remove as many of the chickpea skins as possible.

👉 Swimming in garlic scapes and not sure what to do with them all? My preserving guide has you covered—with easy pickling, freezing hacks, and a few flavor-saving tricks you’ll wish you’d known last season.

Looking for more on garlic scapes? Read these blog posts.

• Garlic Scape Pesto
• Garlic Scapes – The Hidden Gem of Your Garden Harvest
• Garlic Scape Vinaigrette Dressing – A Farm-To-Table Recipe

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