I have never seen Basil (Albahaca) used in Spain except in Italian restaurants. It is sold for its medicinal properties. In Thame we usually have a couple of plants in a pot on the window sill. We have tried growing basil on our allotment without success. The weather isn’t favourable or the insects eat it. It needs lots of heat light and water.
We take the odd handful of leaves for flavouring Tomato sauces. Pesto is a great way to use up the leaves as the plants start to outgrow the pots. I prefer to make the pesto by hand. The texture is better and the process is pleasant. We serve it with large pasta shapes such Conchiglie or Paccheri Rigati.
It keeps for a week in the fridge, stored under oil to stop it discolouring.
