Italian tomato & artichoke platter

Put ripe and juicy tomatoes centre-stage in this simple side dish, dressed with basil oil - perfect with grilled or barbecued meats

ingredients

• small pack basil
  
  , very finely chopped, plus a few small leaves to serve
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 600g tomatoes
  
   (a selection of sizes and colours looks good)
• 1 small red onion, finely sliced
• 175g chargrilled artichokes in oil, from a jar

Method

1. Make the dressing by combining the chopped basil with the olive oil in a small bowl. Season well.
2. Slice the larger tomatoes, leaving smaller ones whole or halved. Lay them on a platter, then top with the onion slices and artichokes. Scatter over the basil leaves, drizzle over the dressing and add a good grinding of black pepper.