Take three ingredients

Having always had a herb garden and dabbled with a veggie patch, this year I decided to do a little window sill gardening with tomatoes, chillis and basil. They are, after all, the basis for so many vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Using these three ingredients it is possible to make pasta dishes, gnocchi, risotto, soup, salad, sandwiches, pizza, bruschetta ... the list is endless.

At its simplest, a drop of oil heated in a pan with chopped chilli and some garlic (or you could use  chilli oil you've made previously) to which you add the chopped tomatoes. They will quickly absorb the flavours. Add torn basil to the tomatoes before stirring through cooked pasta. Serve in warmed bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan substitute and a garnish of fresh basil. Simple perfection.

The three ingredients don't always need to be combined. They can be paired or used alone.
The tomatoes and chillis can be used together in Indian or Mexican cuisine or pair the tomatoes and basil in a Caprese salad.