Homemade arugula pesto… what a fragrance and taste. It’s very easy, quick, and can be used in many different ways. We can dress pasta, bruschetta, or fill savory panettone, wraps; or we can accompany meat, fish, boiled or grilled vegetables. Arugula, especially the wild or potted variety (like mine), has a pungent and strong flavor, unlike the arugula sold in bags at supermarkets which is a bit more delicate. We can also use our creamy homemade arugula pesto as a condiment or dressing for salads and appetizers. Let’s personalize it based on the recipes we prepare, with almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, capers, anchovies in oil, etc. Homemade arugula pesto can be kept in the fridge, in well-sealed sterilized glass jars, for a few days.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1.75 oz arugula
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste fine salt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- to taste nuts (optional)
- to taste anchovies in oil (optional)
- to taste grated cheese (optional)
Preparation
Place the bowl and blades of the mixer in the freezer for about ten minutes. Meanwhile, wash the arugula under running water.
Drain it well, put it in the mixer along with the salt, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (apple cider vinegar pairs wonderfully with the bitter note of arugula) and blend for a few seconds, pouring in the oil gradually, until a thick, smooth cream is obtained. If the pesto turns out too thick for our taste or usage needs, we can add 1 or 2 scant tablespoons of water. The arugula pesto is immediately ready to use.
Extra idea: Spread the arugula pesto on slices of not too thinly sliced prosciutto, parmesan shavings, and a few drops of balsamic vinegar. Roll the slices of prosciutto, cut them in two, and serve them skewered on a skewer stick, alternating with cherry tomatoes and melon cubes.
2nd version
Add cheese, almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the arugula pesto (which dulls the bitterness of the arugula). We will get a delicious, exquisite pesto, suitable for dressing bruschetta or canapés.
