Arugula Pesto: A Crisp, Tasty Variation on a Timeless Sauce
If you enjoy robust, peppery greens and dynamic sauces, arugula pesto may soon be your go-to ingredient in the kitchen. This tasty and adaptable condiment provides a refreshing alternative to classic basil pesto, delivering a distinct flavor profile along with numerous practical benefits.
What Is Arugula Pesto?
Arugula pesto is a green sauce created by mixing fresh arugula leaves with nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Similar to its basil counterpart, it’s creamy, herbaceous, and full of umami, but with a unique peppery kick that distinguishes it.
Why Opt for Arugula Pesto?
Although basil pesto is a cherished classic, arugula pesto offers a variety of advantages that make it worth exploring:
– Cost-Effective: Fresh basil can be expensive and seasonal, whereas arugula is more budget-friendly and available throughout the year.
– Extended Shelf Life: Arugula pesto remains vibrant longer than basil pesto, not browning as quickly, which eliminates the need for blanching.
– Flavor Variation: Arugula contributes a peppery, somewhat bitter flavor that enhances many dishes, resulting in a more nuanced taste experience.
How to Prepare Arugula Pesto
Preparing arugula pesto is swift and simple, particularly with a food processor. Here’s a straightforward recipe that produces just over one cup—sufficient to dress 8 to 12 ounces of pasta, depending on your sauce preference.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh arugula, packed
– ½ cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pepitas)
– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1–2 garlic cloves
– 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to preference)
– ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Toast the Nuts: In a skillet over medium heat, toast your selected nuts until they exude a pleasant aroma (around 3–5 minutes). Allow them to cool slightly.
2. Blend the Base: In a food processor, mix the toasted nuts, arugula, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Add Olive Oil: Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while processing until the mixture is mostly smooth. Take care not to over-blend to prevent any bitterness from the oil.
4. Taste and Adjust: Modify with additional lemon juice or salt as desired. Transfer to a bowl and use right away, or store for later.
Storage Tips:
– Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
– Freeze: Pour into ice cube trays, then move the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Lasts for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions
Arugula pesto is highly versatile. Here are several delectable ways to incorporate it:
– Pasta: Mix with hot pasta and a splash of reserved cooking water for a rich, cohesive sauce.
– Pizza: Use as a base sauce on pizza dough or add dollops on top after baking.
– Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted or grilled vegetables for an extra kick of flavor.
– Sandwiches: Spread it in sandwiches or wraps.
– Legumes: Blend into chickpeas or white beans topped with feta cheese.
– Eggs: Mix into scrambled eggs or use as a topping for a fried egg for an upscale breakfast.
How to Combine Pesto with Pasta
For an impeccably coated pasta dish:
1. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, set aside about 1 cup of the cooking water.
2. Combine Off Heat: Toss the drained pasta with pesto, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, creating a silky coating.
Customization Options
– Dairy-Free/Vegan: Replace the Parmesan with a vegan substitute, such as nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
– Nut-Free: Opt for pepitas or hemp hearts in lieu of nuts. Lightly toast pepitas until they pop and turn golden.
Final Thoughts
Arugula pesto is an easy yet elevated sauce that can enhance everyday meals effortlessly. Whether you’re mixing it with pasta, applying it to a sandwich, or freezing it for future use, this lively green condiment is a must-try for home chefs aiming to introduce a flavorful twist to their cooking.
Have you sampled arugula pesto? Share your preferred ways to use it in the comments!