Garlic Scapes: Spring Sustainability
Ingredients
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic scapes, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 small white onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces oyster mushrooms, sliced
1 package (14 ounces) firm tofu, drained and cubed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions, peanuts, and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Rinse the jasmine rice in cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to make the peanut sauce. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tofu is crispy and golden brown.
While the tofu bakes, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic scapes, carrots and white onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
Add the sliced oyster mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the tofu is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to the skillet with the garlic scapes, carrots, and mushrooms. Pour the peanut sauce over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is well coated and heated through.
Divide the cooked rice between two bowls. Top each bowl with the garlic scape, oyster mushroom, and tofu mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
What are Garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are the long, slender, curly shoots that grow from the tops of garlic plants. They emerge in late spring or early summer and usually have a vibrant green color. Garlic scapes are actually the flowering stalks of the garlic plant and are typically removed to encourage bulb growth and maximize flavor.
When to Harvest
To harvest garlic scapes, you should wait until they have developed a few twists and curls, but before they become too woody or tough. Using a sharp pair of garden scissors or pruners, cut the scapes just above the top set of leaves on the garlic plant. This helps redirect the plant's energy into developing a larger bulb. It's important not to wait too long to harvest the scapes, as they can become overly fibrous and lose their tenderness.
Health Benefits
Anticancer Potential: Bursting with active ingredients, these remarkable stalks, particularly packed with diallyl sulfides, are known to directly target and eliminate cancerous cells through apoptosis, a fancy term for programmed cell death.
Detoxify the Body: Research reveals that regular consumption of these powerhouse stalks can effectively flush out toxins from your liver and kidneys, giving your body a much-needed detox. Not only that, but their diuretic properties act as speedy janitors, helping to eliminate waste and toxins, leaving you feeling revitalized.
Improve Circulation: Just like their garlic relatives, these captivating stalks have the ability to supercharge blood flow and oxygenation throughout your entire body. With a surge of oxygen comes a boost in energy levels and accelerated repair processes, turning you into a real-life superhero!
Increase Bone Health: Packed with allicin and allium, a dynamic duo within the scapes, they bravely thwart the creation of enzymes that accelerate the breakdown of precious bone tissue.
Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases: The antioxidants abundant in garlic scapes serve as a mighty shield against oxidative stress and chronic diseases. From heart disease to autoimmune conditions, these potent stalks come to the rescue, safeguarding your precious health.
Improve Vision: Rich in provitamin A, these marvelous stalks magically transform into beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that shields your vision. Research has connected this remarkable compound to lower rates of macular degeneration and a slower progression of cataracts.
