Thyme leaves provide dishes with a subtle earthy essence, making it an excellent choice for sauces, salads and other recipes. Fresh leaves are delicate and low-key in taste, which allows the herb to infuse its flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
How I Cook With Thyme
Thyme is a bit weird as a herb for me. I use it all the time but it rarely plays the lead part. This herb is more of a supporting flavor and herb. Since I have a garden I usually have fresh thyme at home and that’s usually how I use it.
The flavor is mild but almost powerful in the same way. To me, it has earthy tones paired with forest and spruce. Think of it as Rosemary’s less aggressive cousin. Even though it goes great with rosemary.
Thyme is part of the traditional French herb mix Herbes de Provence and is also used in Bouquet Garni. Those two uses say a lot about how to use it yourself. Think autumn Mediterranean food. Meat stews and casseroles. Anything with pork, pan-fried fish, soups, warm sandwiches.
To sum it up before I give you some recipe links use thyme with Sunday dinner food.
I know it is hard to get the idea so to be more direct here are a few recipes with thyme that I love. But don’t forget to experiment yourself.
An appetizer with eggs and endives. Here thyme is used with bacon to support the other components and it works like magic.
This one is a bit different. Thyme with vodka and lemon. Not bad but it is a bit out of the regular use of thyme.
About as perfect match as it can be. Warm and creamy potato soup with bacon. What could go wrong?
A good example of how thyme plays the supporting role. Here with other herbs in a tasty butter.
A traditional risotto appetizer. Thyme works like magic with any mushrooms, especially fried with garlic and butter.
And here it is, fried chanterelles with thyme. I can’t love this recipe enough.
Great, hopefully, you have a good base about how to cook with thyme now. Let’s check out some facts about thyme. It’s always fun to learn a little extra.
By now I guess we should have figured this out, but let’s take it from the start. It is an evergreen perennial herb. The type that we use in cooking is called Thymus Vulgaris but you normally find it named simply Thyme. There is also Thymus Citriodorus which is also used culinary under the more common name Lemon Thyme or Orange Thyme.
Besides these two there are a few others in the family but they are rarely used in cooking.
Thyme is one of the heroes in the kitchen. I use is several times a week. But there is plenty to learn about this essential kitchen herb. Let’s learn all about thyme.
Thyme is one of those essential things in the kitchen for me. Like garlic, lemon, parsley and olive oil. Thyme gets tossed in things here and there on a weekly basis when I’m cooking.
But what do I really know about this great herb and how do I really cook with it? I’ll be honest, I never really gave it much thought. So let’s do some research and find out more. I will start off by letting you know how I personally love to cook with this great herb, I’ll link to a few recipes where thyme is used or can be used. After that, I’ll go over a few facts that can be fun to know. All ready? Ok, let’s go!
12 Things About Thyme and Its Unique Uses
FAQ
Does thyme make a difference?
What flavor does thyme add?
What does thyme do to your food?
Is fresh thyme good for You?
Fresh thyme is a versatile and flavorful herb that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. It is a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients and has also been known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Keep those dos and don’ts in mind to get the most out of fresh thyme in your cooking.
How to use thyme?
Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and works well in soups, roasted vegetables, pasta, sauces, pizzas, chicken, stews, eggs, fish and seafood, lasagna, pork, lamb, or beef.
Is Thyme a good herb?
Thyme is an extremely fragrant Mediterranean herb that has been used in Italian, French, and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It has made its way around the world and can be found in American and Caribbean dishes as well. Thyme’s pungency is one of its greatest benefits, but can be a drawback if it is used incorrectly.
Which thyme is better dried or fresh?
Dried thyme is suitable for dishes with longer cooking times, like stews and roasts, and can be added directly to the recipe without any additional preparation. Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme has a more vibrant and pronounced flavor and aroma compared to dried thyme.