It's in season now: Basil

BASIL is a great all-rounder in the kitchen. Try planting a bunch this season to give you a fresh supply of this fragrant herb.

lemony pesto chicken taste nov 26

BASIL is a great all-rounder in the kitchen, and while you can buy it in supermarkets and greengrocers, try planting a bunch this season to give you a fresh supply of this fragrant herb.

PREPARATION AND STORAGE

Trim stalks and wrap in dampened kitchen paper in a bag in the refrigerator crisper. Alternatively, stand in a tall, thin container in a few centimetres of water and change the water daily.

COOKING

Tomatoes and basil are the best of friends, so spend the summer making Italian favourites: caprese salad, bruschetta and margherita pizza. Next, try baked ricotta, homemade pesto and fresh pasta and risotto starring summer vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus and peas.

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LEMONY PESTO CHICKEN PIECES
 
- Serves 8

- Preparation time: 20 minutes

- Cooking time: 12 minutes

- Skills needed: Basic

 1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
4 chicken drumsticks
4 chicken thigh cutlets, skin-on
Lemon wedges, to serve
 
Combine oil and lemon juice in a jug. Place basil, garlic, parmesan and nuts in a food processor until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add oil mixture until pesto is almost smooth. Season. Gently lift the skin away from each drumstick and thigh cutlet to form a pocket.

Spoon 1 teaspoon of pesto into each pocket.

Preheat barbecue plate on medium-high heat. Cook chicken (barbecue hood down), turning occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until cooked. Serve with remaining pesto and lemon wedges.