Sexy Lettuce: Arugula
It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these posts; but if you know how crazy I am about greens, it should be no surprise I’m coming at you with an awesome Sexy Lettuce post: Arugula.
Arugula has a new reputation of being an elitist green. But that sort of sass can be sexy. And the sass comes from being right-out awesome for you.
Arugula is a good source of folate and calcium, and an excellent source of vitamins A and C. What does this mean?
Arugula’s Vitamin A will promote normal vision, immunity, growth and reproduction. It keeps the mucous linings of the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts healthy to prevent bacteria and viruses from entering. The calcium strengthens bones and teeth, and is important for muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve function. And Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells against damage, helps wounds to heal, fights infections, promotes healthy bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron.
Combine these benefits with its aromatic peppery taste and it’s time for salad. Or try adding some arugula next to basil for a twist on the traditional homemade pesto:
Arugula Basil Pesto
1 large bushel fresh basil
1 small bushel fresh arugula
1/4 cup Tbs EVVO
1/4 cup Pinenuts
3-5 garlic cloves (depending on taste)
3 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese
several pinches of salt
Blend all ingredients in food processor. Serve.
1 large bushel fresh basil
1 small bushel fresh arugula
1/4 cup Tbs EVVO
1/4 cup Pinenuts
3-5 garlic cloves (depending on taste)
3 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese
several pinches of salt
Blend all ingredients in food processor. Serve.
This makes a lot. I served mine over pasta and I’ve learned that if you reserve some of the pasta water and mix it with the pesto, the starch from the water makes a great saucy consistency for the dish. I don’t have a picture of the finished meal, but you can bet it was delicious!
Cute Gift Alert: This mother’s day my sister and I bought our mom an arugula plant and put it in a really nice metal pot with a classy yellow bow. Now I am absolutely in LOVE with this as a gift idea, especially in the start of spring. Keep it in mind!
Are you a fan of pesto? Do you have a “secret ingredient” in yours? I love the pinenuts in mine. And adding arugula or spinach to up the green intake!
What about arugula? Are you a fan of this green? If so, how do you eat it?
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I often like to add a tablespoon or two of miso into my pesto instead of cheese. It is cheaper, and also makes it vegan (not that I'm vegan, but why not!) but gives it the same bite that a good pecorino has
Love the new look of the blog…it gets me everytime I come over. You really did a great job. I love arugula. It finds it's way into countless courses in my kitchen. Fresh from the garden even better.
Cheers!
arugula is such a nice peppery green…love it just in salads.
pesto = basil, pine nuts, evoo, S& P, blend.
I love pesto, but I've never made it myself!
I always associate arugula with old Italians. Not sexy. Maybe because my nonna loves it and she's an old Italian.
that said, I do love it. It has such a great spiciness.
great idea! i added the cheese because my roommate would have cursed me with her eyes if i didnt add it. Nice to know you've found a good replacement for when im on my own!
so love arugula! and yes it is sexy
Yum, I love arugula. The best way to eat in in my opinion is on top of a nice pizza, drizzled with olive oil
- Beth @ http://www.DiningAndDishing.com
Personally, i think pesto is very romantic in its flavor.