Eruc sativa or as we know rocket/arugula/rugula/rucola is an edible plant used in daily in cooking around the world today! Arugula is a lovely leafy vegetable mainly used for making salads. Arugula has been grown in the Mediterranean area since Roman times and is actually considered an aphrodisiac (oh la la!). It grown across the world especially in Veneto, Italy. Arugula is a delicious leaf with a rich and peppery taste. Quite strong flavouring for a leafy green. Arugula is mainly used in salads but can be cooked as a vegetable, used in pasta, pizza or meat dishes and turned into a yummy pesto. Arugula is low in calories (woohoo!) and high in vitamin A and C.
My personal favourite way to enjoy arugula - is a simple "rocket" (as the brits say) salad! I first fell in love with this salad years ago while in London, England visiting family. This was the salad at the local pub. I had never tried arugula before, but after tasting the peppery arugula I was hooked. This is truly the best way to eat arugula. Simple, fresh, delicious.
Rocket Salad
Ingredients: For Two
- 2 large handfuls arugula- Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- Salt and Pepper
- Good quality extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
Simply toss arugula in a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season with some salt and pepper and top with shaved Parmesan!
Chuck Hughes' Arugula Pesto
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese- 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 big handfuls of packed arugula leaves
- a drizzle of olive oil
- salt and pepper
Directions:
- Grate your cheese.- Pop all ingredients in a food processor or blender and while it’s running drizzle in about ½ cup good olive oil. This will be used to garnish your Chorizo pieces. Season to taste with S&P. If too thick you can thin out with a bit of water.
Chuck's arugula pesto tops off a piece of fried chorizo sausage!
photo credit: google images & foodnetwork.ca
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