 Nilma Dole
It’s definitely not a space rocket but a leaf rocket. Rocket is a
peppery green leaf known in North America as “Arugula.” Rocket is used
in salads, soups, on pizzas or infused in olive oil and it is delicious!
Chef Saroj of Harpo’s Pizza tells me that it’s his favourite
recommendation for a good pizza and that it is worthwhile to have it
with your pizza.
The scientific name for rocket is `Eruca sativa’ and it is a species
of Eruca native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal
east to Jordan and Turkey. It is used as a leaf vegetable, which looks
like a longer leaved and open lettuce. It is rich in vitamin C and
potassium. It is frequently cultivated, although domestication cannot be
considered complete.
It has been grown in the Mediterranean area since Roman times, and is
considered an aphrodisiac.
It is now cultivated in various places, especially in Veneto, Italy,
but is available throughout the world. It has a rich, peppery taste, and
has an exceptionally strong flavour for a leafy green.
 It is generally used in salads but also cooked as a vegetable with
pastas or meats and in coastal Slovenia (especially Koper/Capodistria),
it is added to the cheese burek.
In Italy, it is often used in pizzas, added just before the baking
period ends or immediately afterwards, so that it won’t wilt in the
heat. It is sometimes used as an ingredient in pesto, either in addition
to basil or as a (non-traditional) substitute.
To make a good rocket salad, take two pre-cooked pizza bases and
smooth some totato puree on it. Place slices of salami around the pizza
and sprinkle over grated cheese. Then place in the oven and cook until
the cheese is bubbling and golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool
for one minute.
Place the tomato around the pizza and top with 250g rocket leaves.
Season with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, and serve
immediately.
Winners for 31st May 2009
1. K. De Silva, Kotte
2. K. B. D. Karampola, Ganemulla
3. S. Salgado, Rathmalana |
