Pesto

Fresh basil is a joyous herb which has a powerful smell but does not taste pungent Our newfound ability to buy basil most of the year round is a great bonus. Obviously it is cheaper in the summer, when it is not flown in from such great distances, but is still too expensive from most food markets and sold in rather mean portions. Basil is a great addition to most tomato dishes.

Basil leaves should always be tom rather than chopped, as they bruise and discolour very