Competitions
Basil
There are many different types of basil, all of which have the same wonderfully overpowering aroma. Much used in Italian and Mediterraniean cuisine, it tends to lose its flavour once cooked, so is best added at the last minute. See below for recipes and tips relating to basil.
Lentil & basil savoury pate
Lentil & basil savoury pate is made from brown lentils and despite it looking somewhat bland, it screams with flavour. I wanted to share this to dispel that myth of lentils being boring veggie food for ageing hippies.
It is easy to make and full of protein and fibre. Absolutely fab on homemade crusty bread or as a sandwich filler.
Tomato soup
This is a really quick recipe for tomato soup that you can make and serve within half an hour. It’s a beautiful colour, tastes great and is healthy! There’s no need to make this more complicated than it has to be…
Spaghetti bolognese
If you’re not into cooking already, start making spaghetti bolognese, from scratch. It’s easy, delicious and will help with making so many other meals. Who needs Dolmio?
Sausage one-pot
Slowly cooked onions give the rich sauce a lovely sweet flavour. Use whatever sausages you like the most. This is great comfort food, and with only one pot to wash up, you have more time to relax on the sofa!
Posh potato salad
This is an amazingly tasty recipe, which really brings the humble potato salad bang up to date. Packed with flavour, and ideal to have with a salad or barbeque.
Herby meatballs
This is a recipe I don’t make as often as I should. After cooking it last night, it’s gone once again to the top of my “what to make with beef mince” list, above spaghetti bolognese, cottage pie and burgers
Simple tomato sauce
A really simple recipe for tomato sauce. This is ideal for pizzas, or serving with pasta.
Big up the basil!
Basil is a great herb to use with Italian cooking and is easy enough to grow indoors on a sunny windowsil. This quick and easy guide will show you how.
Green pesto
Once you know how to make it, and how to grow a basil plant, you can have a long lasting supply of delicious homemade pesto. It keeps for a few days in a jar, so you just have to cook some pasta and stir it in.
