Parsley & Arugula Salsa Verde with Walnuts

Yields 1-1/4 cups.

To learn more, read:
The Glamorous Side of Parsley
by Ruth Lively
from Fine Cooking
Issue 79
Last Edit Date: 6/6/2011 2:28:39 PM

This piquant Italian-style sauce is wonderful served with grilled or roasted meats, fish, and vegetables; spooned over braised lamb or veal shanks; drizzled over a bowl of minestrone or puréed soup; stirred into rice; or simply used as a dip for raw vegetables. Try to make the sauce a couple of hours, or even a day, ahead so the flavors have time to meld.

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2 cups lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves (2 ounces)
8 medium arugula leaves, tough stems removed
1 medium clove garlic
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2-1/2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
2 Tbs. chopped walnuts, toasted
1 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest (from about 1/2 lemon)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; more to taste

Rinse the parsley and arugula in cold water and spin dry in a salad spinner. Put all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the leaves are chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then process until the mixture is finely chopped and turns into a thick sauce. Scrape into a bowl and set aside for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

Variations

Make a tangy Argentine chimichurri sauce. In a food processor, mince 2 cups tightly packed parsley leaves with 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, 2 Tbs. fresh oregano leaves, 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, 1 garlic clove, and a little olive oil. Slowly add 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil and 1/3 cup red-wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make a classic French anchoiade sauce. In a food processor, mince 2 cups tightly packed parsley leaves with 1 clove garlic, 2 anchovy fillets, 2 tsp. capers, and just a little olive oil. Slowly add 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil and 1/3 cup redwine vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : per 1/4 cup servings; Calories (kcal): 290; Fat (g): 31; Fat Calories (kcal): 280; Saturated Fat (g): 5; Protein (g): 1; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 21; Carbohydrates (g): 3; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 4; Sodium (mg): 130; Cholesterol (mg): 5; Fiber (g): 1;