Here we find Basil and Coot asleep occasionally, having retired (5)
I believe the answer is:
pesto
'here we find basil' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether it can be defined by this definition.
'coot asleep occasionally having retired' is the wordplay.
'occasionally' indicates alternate letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
'having retired' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'coot'+'asleep'='cootasleep'
The alternating letters of 'cootasleep' are 'otsep'.
'otsep' reversed gives 'PESTO'.
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pesto that I've seen before include "Saucy work" , "Sauce of basil, pine nuts and garlic" , "Basic sauce" , "Pasta sauce variety" , "Italian sauce containing basil" .)