Arugula Pesto - Real-Food.shop

Arugula Pesto

A small wooden bowl with arugula pesto on a decorated kitchen table

Arugula pesto is a flavorful and vibrant alternative to traditional basil pesto. Here's a simple recipe for arugula pesto:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh arugula leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Granna Padano cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts or cashew nuts (toasted, if desired)
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions:

  1. Toast the Nuts (optional): If you're using pine nuts or cashew nuts, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become lightly golden. Toasting nuts enhances their flavor, but you can skip this step if you prefer.

  2. Prepare the Arugula: Wash the arugula thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.

  3. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the arugula, grated Grana Padano cheese, toasted nuts (if using), garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

  4. Start Blending: Pulse the ingredients a few times to begin breaking them down.

  5. Stream in Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and blend again to ensure everything is incorporated.

  6. Add Lemon Juice: Add the juice of one lemon to the pesto and blend again until it's fully mixed in. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

  7. Store or Use: Transfer the arugula pesto to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. To prevent oxidation, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on the surface of the pesto before sealing the container.

Arugula pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or a dip for vegetables. Enjoy experimenting with this flavorful pesto in your favorite dishes!

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