Sprigy Kitchen
One bunch of basil, three lunches
Save a few whole leaves for tomato toast, tear a handful into white beans and chop the rest for pasta.
Tomato and basil toast
Toast a thick slice of bread and spread it with ricotta. Layer on sliced tomato, add a pinch of salt and finish with a few whole basil leaves and olive oil.
Lemony white beans
Drain and rinse a tin of white beans. Toss a lunch-sized portion with lemon juice, olive oil and a spoonful of chopped shallot. Tear a small handful of basil over the beans just before eating.
Quick basil pasta
While a serving of pasta cooks, finely chop the remaining basil with a small garlic clove and stir in olive oil and grated Parmesan. Reserve a splash of cooking water. Drain the pasta, then toss it off the heat with the basil mixture, adding the water a spoonful at a time until the sauce coats each piece.