Have You Tried: Arugula

I really love arugula, so when my CSA share came with a bag of two different kinds, I was ecstatic.  I planted some in my garden, but it’s still very tiny.  I’ve been craving arugula all winter long.

If you haven’t tried arugula, you’re in for a treat.  It’s incredibly flavorful–kind of peppery, but distinct.  It’s definitely assertive without being overpowering.

 

Arugula goes exceptionally well with beans (especially white beans), certain fruits (pears, peaches, apricots, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries), most vegetables (particularly tomatoes, red peppers and fennel), cheese (especially salty, hard grating cheeses like Parmegiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano; and fresh cheeses like chevre, feta, mozzarella; and blue cheeses), nuts, other leafy salad greens, mushrooms and olives.  Actually I can’t think of many things that don’t go with arugula. :)

You can use arugula raw in salads, as a pizza topping, on sandwiches; or wilted, as when tossed into hot, cooked pasta or in warm salads.  Arugula pesto is a particular favorite of mine.  I also think it would be spectacular in an omelet or fritatta.

When you buy it, plan on using it within a few days.  Discard any leaves that have yellowed at all.  I store mine in the vegetable drawer in the fridge with a damp paper towel inside the bag/box/bowl it’s store in.

Here are some links to recipes from my blog and others that I recommend:
Pasta with Arugula, Tomatoes, Feta and Toasted Garlic (I know–fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, use high-quality canned instead)

Gluten-Free Pasta Salad with Arugula and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Arugula, Watercress, and Goat Cheese Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Arugula Spinach Pesto from Delightful Delicacies (my dear friend, Jenny)
Arugula Pistachio Pesto from Love & Olive Oil
Strawberry and Arugula Salad with Hazelnut Vinaigrette from Epicurious.com
Shaved Fennel and Arugula Salad from Epicurious.com
Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza from TasteFood
Caramelized Onion and Arugula White Pizza from Aggie’s Kitchen
Quick Ravioli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Arugula and Hazelnuts from Cookin’ Canuck
Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Arugula from Project Domestication
Dozens of recipe ideas from Kalyn’s Kitchen (healthy, South Beach Diet friendly)

What about you?  Have you tried arugula?  Do you like it?  What are your favorite ways to use it?

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110 Comments

  1. LOVE arugula. I have an arugula walnut pesto going in my book. i like how mild it is compared to basil and so much cheaper. Next time I make arugula pesto, I am going to save some and put it on some grilled flatbread with fennel and roasted red peppers.

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