Arugula Recipes Indian Style for Flavorful Meals

Arugula, with its peppery, slightly bitter flavor, is a leafy green that has found its way into many cuisines worldwide. While it’s often seen in Western salads, arugula’s vibrant taste and nutritional benefits make it a fantastic ingredient for Indian-style dishes as well.

Indian cuisine, rich in spices and bold flavors, pairs beautifully with arugula, creating fresh, flavorful, and healthy meals that are perfect for any time of the day. Whether you want to add a nutritious twist to your regular salads, experiment with chutneys, or create innovative Indian snacks, arugula offers versatility and a delightful punch that’s hard to resist.

In this post, we’ll explore some delightful Indian-inspired arugula recipes that will excite your palate and elevate your cooking. From spicy arugula chutney to refreshing arugula parathas, these recipes bring a fresh perspective to traditional Indian cooking.

Plus, you’ll find tips on how to incorporate arugula into your meals effortlessly, making it a staple in your kitchen. Ready to spice up your greens?

Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love These Arugula Indian Recipes

These recipes combine the bold flavors of Indian spices with the fresh, peppery notes of arugula, creating dishes that are both exciting and nourishing. Arugula is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, making these recipes not just tasty but also highly nutritious.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these recipes are approachable, using simple ingredients and straightforward methods. They are perfect for those looking to add more greens to their diet without compromising on flavor.

Plus, arugula’s ability to complement a variety of Indian spices and cooking styles means you can enjoy it in many forms—chutneys, parathas, stir-fries, and more.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with these unique yet familiar dishes, and don’t forget to check out some other amazing recipes on the site for more culinary inspiration!

Ingredients

• Fresh arugula leaves – 2 cups, washed and chopped
• Besan (gram flour) – 1 cup (for arugula pakoras)
• Green chili – 1-2, finely chopped
• Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
• Garlic cloves – 2, minced
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Red chili powder – ½ tsp
• Chaat masala – 1 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 2 tbsp for cooking
• Whole wheat flour – 1.5 cups (for parathas)
• Yogurt – 2 tbsp (optional for dough softness)
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp, chopped
• Onion – 1 small, finely chopped (optional)
• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (small and large)
• Non-stick frying pan or tava
• Knife and chopping board
• Spatula
• Rolling pin
• Blender or food processor (for chutney)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Colander (for washing arugula)
• Serving plates and spoons

Instructions

Recipe 1: Spicy Arugula Chutney

1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and roughly chop 2 cups of fresh arugula leaves. Chop 1 green chili, grate 1-inch ginger, and mince 2 garlic cloves.
2. Temper the spices: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1 tsp cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add a pinch of asafoetida.
3. Blend the chutney: In a blender, add the tempered spices along with arugula, green chili, ginger, garlic, ½ tsp turmeric powder, salt to taste, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Add a little water if needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Adjust flavors: Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed. Serve fresh with Indian snacks or as a side with parathas and rice dishes.

Recipe 2: Arugula Paratha (Indian Flatbread)

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups whole wheat flour, 2 tbsp yogurt (optional), salt to taste, and 2 tbsp oil. Add water gradually and knead into a soft, pliable dough. Cover and set aside for 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: Wash and finely chop 2 cups arugula leaves. Squeeze out excess water. Mix arugula with 1 small chopped onion (optional), 1 green chili finely chopped, 1 tsp chaat masala, and salt to taste.
3. Roll the paratha: Divide dough into equal-sized balls. Roll one ball into a small circle, place 2-3 tbsp of arugula filling in the center, and bring the edges together to seal. Flatten gently and roll again carefully into a 6-7 inch circle.
4. Cook the paratha: Heat a tava or non-stick pan. Cook the paratha on medium heat, applying oil or ghee on both sides, until golden brown spots appear and it’s cooked through.
5. Serve hot: Enjoy the paratha with yogurt, pickle, or chutney.

Recipe 3: Arugula Pakoras (Fritters)

1. Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix 1 cup besan (gram flour), ½ tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp red chili powder, salt to taste, and 1 tsp chaat masala.
2. Add arugula: Wash and chop 2 cups of arugula leaves. Add them to the besan mixture.
3. Add water: Gradually add water to create a thick batter that coats the arugula leaves well.
4. Heat oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
5. Fry pakoras: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve: Enjoy with green chutney or tamarind sauce.

Tips & Variations

“For a milder flavor, blanch arugula briefly in boiling water before using it in recipes like parathas or pakoras.”

When preparing arugula, always wash thoroughly to remove grit and sand. You can also mix arugula with other greens like spinach or methi (fenugreek) for varied taste and nutrition.

For the chutney, adding roasted peanuts or coconut can add creaminess and depth. Feel free to experiment with the spices—adding a pinch of garam masala or amchur powder (dry mango powder) can give the chutney a unique twist.

If you prefer baking over frying, arugula pakoras can be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for a healthier option.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values vary depending on preparation and portion size.

Serving Suggestions

Arugula chutney is perfect as a dip for snacks like samosas, pakoras, or even alongside grilled sandwiches. Pair arugula parathas with cooling yogurt or raita for a wholesome meal.

Arugula pakoras make an excellent tea-time snack, especially during monsoons or chilly evenings.

For a complete Indian meal, complement these arugula dishes with dal (lentils) and steamed rice. For a fusion twist, try serving the chutney with your favorite Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or alongside a warm bowl of a cold vegetable soup to balance the flavors.

Conclusion

Arugula is a versatile leafy green that fits beautifully within Indian cuisine, adding a fresh, peppery dimension to traditional dishes. These arugula recipes showcase how you can creatively incorporate this nutritious green into your meals—whether as a zesty chutney, hearty paratha, or crispy pakora.

Not only do these dishes deliver on taste, but they also bring a wealth of health benefits to your table.

Exploring arugula in Indian cooking encourages culinary creativity while supporting a nutritious diet. We hope these recipes inspire you to experiment and enjoy arugula in new, delicious ways.

For more exciting vegetable recipes and Indian-inspired dishes, don’t forget to check out Arugula Veg Recipes for Fresh and Flavorful Meals, Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try, and Best Indian Vegetarian Starter Recipes for Every Occasion.

Happy cooking and savor every bite!

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