Basil
In Italy basil symbolizes love. Basil is one of the most delicate and fragrant of herbs and has a particular affinity for tomatoes. The main variety of basil grown is sweet basil which is green. There is also a purple basil which makes a striking garnish for food. Lemon basil has a concentrated lemon fragrance and is perfect for fish. Cinnamon basil has a sweet, spicy cinnamon scent that is good in chutneys or fruit salad.
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CRACKED WHEAT SALAD WITH PEPPERS AND BASIL
2tbsp sesame seeds
2-3oz/50-75g cracked wheat, also
known as bulgar wheat
1 small green pepper, chopped
into 2.5cm/1in pieces
1 small red pepper, chopped into
2cm/1in pieces
1 small yellow pepper, chopped
into 2cm/1in pieces
2tbsp/30ml olive oil
2tbsp/30ml lemon juice
1½tbsp/7.5ml clear honey
1 handful fresh basil
1. Toast sesame seeds in a small frying pan for two
minutes until lightly browned. Cover cracked wheat
with boiling water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and allow
to dry.
2. Place the chopped peppers into a large bowl with
the cracked wheat and toasted sesame seeds.
3. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice and clear honey,
pour over the salad, and mix well. This salad will
benefit from chilling to allow the flavour to develop
fully.
4. Half an hour before serving, tear the fresh basil
leaves into smaller pieces, gently stir half into the salad,
and sprinkle the remaining basil over the top.
CLASSIC PESTO
2 packed cups fresh basil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
¾tsp salt
black pepper to taste
4floz/125ml extra virgin olive oil
1½oz/45g pine nuts, lightly
toasted
3oz/90g grated parmesan or
pecorino
Place basil leaves, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil and pine
nuts in a food processor or blender. Blend to smooth
purée, transfer to a bowl and add the cheese. Pesto
should never be cooked - it is added to pasta after it is
cooked and drained. When adding it to enhance flavour
in a dish, stir in when cooking is complete, or at the
moment of serving.
Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil Salad
1/2 cup good olive oil
3 cloves garlic crushed
1/2 cup chopped sweet basil
Tomato slices
Fresh mozzarella cheese slices
Mix olive oil, basil and garlic and put in a covered container. Refrigerate overnight. When ready toss serve, let oil reach room temperature. Place a slice of cheese on the tomato slice and drizzle with flavored oil and the chopped basil.