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 4Cheat’s Lasagne
Using a brilliant ready-made cheese sauce and Bolognese sauce has turned making a lasagne into an easy exercise - useful when you're tired and hungry!
Serves 2Mediterranean ‘Red’ Grilled Fish
A jar of sweet red pepper tapenade and a handful of other robust ingredients turns a piece of haddock into a feast in minutes! Of course, you could just as easily use cod or any other firm-flavoured fish instead.
Serves 2Linguine with Sardines, Chilli and Capers
A wonderful storecupboard recipe this one - just pasta, canned sardines, chilli and capers combined to make a fast and satisfying supper dish.
Serves 4Baked Gnocchi Bolognese
This superb, wintry Bolognese bake is made from quality bought ingredients, allowing you to put it together without any hassle for a real taste of Italy.
Serves 4Alex MacKay’s Cheats’ Sea Bream with Artichokes, Tapenade and Tomatoes
Alex Mackay, the talented chef who runs the food and wine workshops at Norwich City FC, has created a sumptuous Mediterranean fish recipe full of flavour that relies on a few cheat ingredients for speed and ease.
