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Basil
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In my kitchen basil reigns supreme – appropriately enough – since its name is derived from the Greek word basileus for king! It is used extensively in Italian and Provençal cooking, has a warm pungent scent and – to me – a taste of the sun. It is lack of sun that makes it difficult to grow here if we have a cold summer, yet I’ve always managed to grow some in a pot on my kitchen windowsill. Provided the white flowers are pinched off all the time, it goes on producing leaves right through until the end of October or even longer with care.
The fresh leaves are quite delicious, chopped and sprinkled over a tomato salad, or added to sauces and soups just before serving.
Anything that has tomato in it will be improved with the addition of basil – the two have a great affinity.
Dried basil has nowhere near the character and flavour of the fresh leaves – but dried basil is better than no basil at all, and it’s fine in soups and sauces through the winter.
Serves 4Chicken and Chick Peas
Adding chick peas to this wintry chicken casserole allows you to feed four people very well for very little money without sacrificing flavour and nutritious value in the process.
Serves 3Spaghetti with Tuna and Olives
Easy and nutritious, this is the sort of recipe that every student should have up his or her sleeve as it costs very little but tastes sensational and uses storecupboard ingredients - perfect for when you haven't time to go shopping.
Serves 6-8Thick Country Soup
Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love this really thick soup crammed with beans, rice and a host of wintry veg. All you need is some good bread and cheese to go with it…
Makes 8 x 8 oz (225 g) portions, each serving 2 people An Authentic Ragu Bolognese
As Delia says, this recipe has plenty of imitators but all too often it's disappointing. Not here: rich, meaty, packed with Italian flavour, it does take a long time to cook, but that's the secret of a perfect Bolognese.
Serves 3-6Aubergines Amalfitane
This lovely, Italian-inspired aubergine recipe is the essence of late-summer eating and would be a good addition to your barbecue repertoire.
