I. Introduction

If you’re a fan of salad, chances are you’ve had arugula. This peppery green is a staple in many salads, but did you know you can cook with it too? That’s right, arugula isn’t just for salads anymore. In this article, we’ll explore the delicious world of cooking with arugula and provide you with creative and easy ways to cook it.

Firstly, let’s discuss why arugula is so important. As a leafy green, arugula is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great addition to any diet. But beyond nutrition, arugula adds a spicy, peppery flavor to any dish, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

This article will provide you with four simple and delicious ways to cook arugula, as well as tips for using it as a side dish, creative recipes for cooking with arugula, and more.

II. 4 Simple and Delicious Ways to Cook Arugula

Let’s start with the basics. Here are four simple and delicious ways to cook arugula:

1. Sauteed Arugula with Garlic

This is perhaps the easiest and quickest way to cook arugula. Start by heating up a pan with some olive oil and minced garlic. Once heated, add in your arugula and cook until wilted, which should only take about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!

2. Arugula Pesto

If you’re a fan of traditional basil pesto, you’ll love arugula pesto. Simply pulse some arugula, garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Spread it on toast, mix it into pasta, or use it as a pizza topping – the possibilities are endless.

3. Creamed Arugula

Creamed arugula is the perfect side dish for steak or roast chicken. Start by sautéing some shallots in butter, then adding in a handful of arugula and cooking until wilted. Slowly stir in some heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Serve warm and enjoy.

4. Arugula and Gruyere Tart

This savory tart is a perfect appetizer for any party. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Roll out some puff pastry and lay it in a tart pan. Spread a layer of dijon mustard on the bottom, then top with sautéed arugula and grated gruyere cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

III. From Salad to Side Dish: How to Cook Arugula in 3 Easy Steps

If you’re new to cooking with arugula, here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking it as a side dish:

1. How to clean arugula

Before cooking, it’s important to clean your arugula. Fill a bowl with cold water and let the arugula soak for a few minutes. Then, use a salad spinner or pat dry with a towel to remove excess water.

2. How to cook arugula

When cooking arugula as a side dish, you’ll want to sauté it. Start by heating up a pan with some olive oil or butter. Once heated, add in your arugula and cook until wilted, which should only take about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Ideas for using cooked arugula as a side dish

Cooked arugula is a great side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. You can also mix it into pasta for a quick and easy dinner.

IV. 5 Creative Recipes for Cooking with Arugula That Will Amaze Your Friends and Family

If you’re looking for more creative ways to cook with arugula, try these five recipes:

1. Arugula and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken

For a fancy yet easy dinner, stuff chicken breasts with a mixture of sautéed arugula and goat cheese. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

2. Arugula and Bruschetta Pasta

Cook some spaghetti according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, mix some chopped tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil in a bowl. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and mix it with the tomato mixture and some sautéed arugula. Top with grated parmesan cheese and enjoy.

3. Grilled Shrimp and Arugula Pizza

Top a pre-made pizza crust with some sautéed arugula, grilled shrimp, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop it in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Arugula Risotto

This creamy, comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Start by sautéing some shallots in butter, then add in arborio rice and sauté for a few minutes. Slowly add in chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked through. Stir in some cooked arugula and grated parmesan cheese before serving.

5. Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza

For a pizza with a twist, top a pre-made pizza crust with some sautéed arugula, sliced prosciutto, and crumbled goat cheese. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

V. Arugula Beyond Salad: A Guide to Cooking with this Versatile Leafy Green

Beyond its delicious flavor, cooking with arugula has many benefits. Here are some ideas for incorporating cooked arugula into meals:

1. Benefits of cooking with arugula

Cooked arugula is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium. It’s also low in calories, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

2. Ideas for incorporating cooked arugula into meals

Cooked arugula can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza to risotto. It’s also a great side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

3. Nutrition information for arugula

One cup of cooked arugula contains just 4 calories, 0.6 grams of protein, and 0.5 grams of fiber. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, folate, and iron.

VI. Try These Surprising Arugula Recipes for a Flavorful Twist on Your Average Dinner

Ready to try something new? These five surprising arugula recipes are sure to impress:

1. Arugula and Sweet Potato Hash

Cook diced sweet potatoes in a pan until tender. Add in some cooked arugula and sauté until wilted. Then, crack a few eggs into the pan and cook until the eggs are set. Serve hot.

2. Arugula and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Cook jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, sautéed arugula, and chopped garlic. Stuff the mixture into the cooked pasta shells and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

3. Sweet Corn and Arugula Quesadilla

Spread some mashed avocado onto a tortilla. Top with sautéed arugula, sweet corn, and shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a pan until heated through.

4. Baked Arugula and Egg Breakfast Tart

Roll out some puff pastry and lay it in a tart pan. Crack a few eggs onto the pastry, then top with sautéed arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the eggs are set.

5. Arugula and Zucchini Frittata

Sauté some sliced zucchini in a pan until tender. Add in some sautéed arugula and beaten eggs. Cook until the eggs are set, then top with grated parmesan cheese.

VII. Conclusion

As you can see, there are many delicious ways to cook with arugula. From simple sautéed arugula to creative arugula recipes, this versatile leafy green can add a tasty twist to any meal. So next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a bag of arugula and get cooking!

Remember, arugula isn’t just for salads anymore.