Arugula Pesto: A Refreshing, Tasty Variation on a Classic Sauce
If you love basil pesto but are in search of a distinctive and budget-friendly substitute, arugula pesto could quickly become your new go-to in the kitchen. This lively green sauce packs a peppery flavor, is simple to prepare, and complements a wide array of meals. Whether incorporating it into pasta, slathering it on sandwiches, or drizzling it on roasted veggies, arugula pesto makes for a flexible and tasty enhancement to your cooking collection.
Why Opt for Arugula Pesto?
While traditional basil pesto is cherished for its sweet and aromatic taste, arugula pesto brings several unique benefits:
1. Exciting Flavor Profile: Arugula naturally has a peppery, slightly bitter flavor that enriches the pesto. It’s a fantastic choice to add some spice to your dishes.
2. Budget-Friendly: Fresh basil can be expensive and hard to source out of season. On the contrary, arugula is usually cheaper and available throughout the year in most markets.
3. No Discoloration: Unlike basil pesto, which can oxidize and brown on top, arugula pesto preserves its bright green hue without needing blanching.
4. Easily Customizable: Arugula complements various nuts and cheeses, making it easy to tailor to what you have available.
How to Prepare Arugula Pesto
Crafting arugula pesto is straightforward and takes merely minutes using a food processor. Here’s what you will require:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh arugula (packed)
– ½ cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pepitas)
– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 to 2 cloves garlic
– 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast your selected nuts for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the toasted nuts, arugula, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Pulse a few times until everything is broken down.
3. Add the Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture reaches a mostly smooth consistency. Avoid over-processing, as this can impart a bitter taste to the oil.
4. Adjust to Taste: Move the pesto to a bowl and taste. Add more lemon juice for brightness or salt for flavor, as desired.
Storage Guidelines:
– Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
– Freeze: Pour into ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to six months. This allows you to use just the amount you require.
Serving Ideas
Arugula pesto is incredibly adaptable. Here are some delightful methods to enjoy it:
– Pasta: Mix with freshly cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water for a creamy, cohesive sauce.
– Pizza: Use as a base sauce or drizzle over a cooked pizza for a fresh touch.
– Sandwiches: Spread on bread or wraps for a flavorful enhancement.
– Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted carrots, potatoes, or cauliflower.
– Grains & Legumes: Stir into quinoa, rice, or chickpeas for a quick, tasty meal.
– Eggs: Spoon over scrambled eggs or omelets for a gourmet flair.
Pro Tip: When mixing pesto with pasta, always set aside about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water helps emulsify the pesto, resulting in a silky, well-coated dish.
Dietary Adjustments
Arugula pesto can be easily modified to suit various dietary requirements:
– Vegan: Leave out the Parmesan or swap for a vegan alternative such as nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
– Nut-Free: Use pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or hemp hearts in place of nuts.
– Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, just ensure that any pasta or bread you pair it with is also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Arugula pesto is a fresh, peppery, and cost-effective alternative to traditional basil pesto that deserves a place in your weekly meal lineup. With its bold flavor and endless adaptability, it’s a fantastic way to enhance simple dishes and utilize any surplus greens in your fridge. Whether you’re a pesto purist or an adventurous cook, arugula pesto is sure to delight.
Give it a try and share how you utilize your arugula pesto—your next favorite dish might be just a spoonful away!