Rocket Pesto

To prepare a delicious arugula pesto, we start by carefully cleaning the arugula leaves, removing the tougher stems. It is important to choose fresh, vibrant green leaves to achieve a flavorful and lively sauce. After cleaning the arugula, we move on to the washing stage. We wash it well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities or residues. After washing, we let the leaves drain, and to speed up this process, we can use a salad spinner. This will help us get perfectly dry leaves, ideal for making the pesto.

In addition to arugula, we will need a few essential ingredients that will contribute to the perfect taste of the sauce. We prepare a handful of nuts (this can be pine nuts, almonds, or even regular walnuts), a clove of garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and salt to taste. The nuts not only add a pleasant texture but also a rich and deep flavor, while the garlic will provide a touch of intense aroma that will balance the sweetness of the arugula.

Once all the ingredients are prepared, we put them in a blender. We start by adding the well-drained arugula, then add the nuts and garlic. It is important to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed in the blender to achieve a smooth paste. We continue by adding the grated Parmesan cheese, which will provide a salty and savory taste, and we start blending. While the blender is running, we gradually pour in the olive oil, which will help emulsify the ingredients, turning them into a creamy and consistent paste.

After achieving the desired consistency, we stop and taste the pesto. Here we can adjust the salt or, if we prefer, we can add more olive oil for a smoother texture. The arugula pesto can be used immediately, mixed with hot pasta, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight jar, where the flavor will intensify. This recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also brings a fresh taste, perfect for a summer meal or a quick lunch. Enjoy it with pleasure!