Arugula, Rocket, Rugola is the star of Spring time

I love this tiny green leaf that grows nicely from Spring to Summer!
Along with other leafy greens, arugula contains very high nitrate levels.
High intakes of dietary nitrate have been shown to lower blood pressure,
reduce the amount of oxygen needed during exercise and enhance
athletic performance.
This means that if you are feeling athletic when the sun comes out,
arugula will give you more energy to keep moving.
I use arugula in salads, but I also make a delicious pesto with it.
My dear friend Piera shared this recipe with me when I was living in
South Africa.

HOMEMADE PASTA WITH ARUGULA PESTO

Ingredients for 4/5 people:

1 bunch of arugula (around 2 cups)
2 cups of small sweet tomatoes (cherry or roma)
half cup pine kernels
half cup grated parmesan cheese
half tsp salt
few basil leaves (optional)
extra virgin olive oil to blend and make it creamy

500 g home made pasta or linguini

Combine the arugula, basil, and pine nuts in a food processor and
pulse until coarsely chopped.
Add 1 cup of tomatoes and pulse.
Add parmesan and salt.
Add 1/2 cup ( or more) of oil and process until fully incorporated
and smooth.

Add 2 TBS of olive oil in a frying pan and roast the rest of tomatoes, cut in halves,
for few minutes , then add the pesto in the pan.

Cook the pasta in boiling water following package instructions,
drain it and mix it with the pesto.

Serve warm or cold.