Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy salad green that has grown in popularity over recent years. Whether it’s the peppery bite or the texture, arugula has gained a following amongst foodies and health enthusiasts alike.
But what should you pair arugula with to create the perfect dish? From salads to pizzas, there are many ways to incorporate arugula into your meals. In this article, we delve into the world of arugula and provide some inspiration for what it goes well with.
Arugula and Other Leafy Greens: Perfect Partners in a Salad
Arugula’s delicate peppery taste makes it a great addition to salads alongside other leafy greens. Pairing it with greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce creates a unique blend of flavors and textures that pleases the palate. Additionally, it adds variety to the nutritional profile of the salad, as different greens offer different vitamins and minerals.
One way to balance the different flavors is to mix arugula with milder greens like baby spinach or butter lettuce. This way, the bitterness of arugula is balanced out, and the mildness of the spinach or lettuce provides a smooth texture. Other greens that pair well with arugula include watercress, endive, and frisee. By combining different greens, you can create a salad that is both nutritious and delicious.
Arugula as a Complement to Meat and Seafood Dishes
Arugula is often used as a complement to meat and seafood dishes due to its distinctive flavor and texture. Its peppery taste and slightly bitter undertones can help balance out the richness of meats and seafood.
When it comes to meat dishes, arugula pairs particularly well with grilled chicken, steak, and lamb. Not only does it add a burst of flavor and freshness, but it also adds a splash of color to the plate. Arugula can also be used as a base for salads, further augmenting the flavors of the dish.
When it comes to seafood, arugula pairs well with grilled or roasted fish, scallops, and shrimp. The bitterness of the arugula contrasts well with the sweetness of these seafood dishes. Adding arugula to seafood salads can also provide an additional layer of texture and flavor. So, if you’re looking to enhance the flavor of your next meat or seafood dish, consider incorporating arugula for a delicious and healthy addition.
The Best Cheeses to Pair with Arugula
Arugula is a leafy green vegetable with a nutty, peppery flavor that can add depth and complexity to a range of dishes. When it comes to pairing arugula with cheeses, there are plenty of options that can complement its unique taste profile.
One of the best cheeses to pair with arugula is goat cheese. Its tangy, slightly acidic flavor is the perfect complement to the peppery notes of arugula. Feta cheese is also a great pairing option, as its briny, salty taste can cut through the bitterness of the leafy greens. Parmesan cheese is another popular option, as its sharp, nutty flavor can add a rich depth to salads and other dishes featuring arugula. Blue cheese is another option that might work well, especially for those who enjoy a stronger, funkier flavor profile. Ultimately, the best cheese to pair with arugula will depend on personal preferences and the specific dish being prepared.
Innovative Ways to Cook with Arugula
Innovative Ways to Cook with Arugula
Arugula is a versatile and flavorful salad green that can be used in many innovative ways to elevate the taste of your dishes. One exciting way to cook with arugula is to create a unique pizza topping by layering thinly sliced red onion, chopped walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and a handful of fresh arugula on a flatbread or pizza dough. Another gourmet idea is to stir-fry arugula with garlic and cherry tomatoes, then toss it with your favorite pasta for a delightful and easy-to-make meal.
If you’re looking for something more complex, try making a hearty arugula and sausage soup by sautéing diced onions and garlic in olive oil, then adding chicken sausage, chopped potatoes, and a bunch of chopped arugula, and simmering everything in chicken broth. Finish off by garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and enjoy a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect for colder days. Trying out these innovative ways to cook with arugula is sure to impress your family and friends and make you fall in love with this delicious and versatile green all over again.
Arugula and Fruit: A Surprising but Delicious Combination
Arugula has a peppery taste that pairs well with a variety of fruits. Combining fruit with arugula can create a surprising but delicious combination that is both refreshing and tasty. Fruits like strawberries, peaches, figs, and pears work especially well with arugula.
A simple arugula and strawberry salad is a great place to start. Combine some fresh arugula with sliced strawberries and add a dressing of your choice. A balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing can bring out the sweetness of the strawberries and balance out the peppery arugula. For a more substantial salad, add some crumbled feta or goat cheese and some toasted walnuts for crunch. Arugula and fruit is a great way to add some variety and flavor to your salad game.
Arugula as a Topping on Pizza and Flatbreads
If you’re looking for a new and fresh take on pizza or flatbreads, consider adding arugula as a topping. Its peppery and slightly bitter taste complements the richness of tomato sauce and cheese. Arugula’s texture also adds a nice crunch to every bite.
To use arugula as a pizza or flatbread topping, first, prepare your crust and sauce as usual. Once that’s done, layer on your toppings of choice, such as cheese, vegetables, and meats. Finally, before baking, sprinkle a generous amount of arugula on top. After the pizza or flatbread is cooked, the arugula will wilt slightly, creating a beautiful presentation and delicious flavor. Give it a try and elevate your pizza game!
Arugula-Based Sauces and Dressings: Elevating Your Meals to the Next Level
Arugula-based sauces and dressings can take your meals to new heights. This ingredient is not only delicious but is also packed with nutrients, featuring several health benefits. Rich in vitamins C and K, folate, and minerals like calcium and potassium, arugula is one of the healthiest greens you can add to your diet.
Making your own arugula-based sauce or dressing is easy. You can add it to your pasta, pizza, salad, or meat dishes. Try blending it with other ingredients like garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon, or nuts like walnuts or almonds. The possibilities are endless, and you get to customize your dressing to your liking. Adding arugula-based sauce or dressing to your meals can add a whole new dimension of flavor, making your dishes more exciting and satisfying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, arugula is a versatile and flavorful green that can be paired with a wide variety of foods and flavors. Its subtle peppery taste and tender texture make it a great addition to dishes like salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, and more.
Whether you’re a fan of classic pairings like tomatoes and mozzarella or looking to experiment with new flavor combinations like arugula and strawberries, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this tasty green. So if you’re looking to add some fresh and healthy flavor to your meals, be sure to give arugula a try – you may just discover your new favorite ingredient!