The Many Uses of Thyme in the Kitchen

By KC Kudra | December 30, 2009

Most recipes call for herbs or seasonings to complement the flavor of the food and French cooking recipes are no exception. Thyme is an example of a very popular herb. It adds a tangy, earthy flavor to your dishes and if you have used it before you will know what a difference, it makes. Knowing a bit more about thyme can help you to decide which French recipes would benefit from this tasty herb.

You have the choice of either growing your own thyme, buying it fresh or buying it dried from the store. When you are using dried thyme for cooking, half a teaspoon of dried thyme is equal to one sprig of fresh thyme.

If you add dried thyme to your food, remember to crush the leaves thoroughly before adding it into the mix, to make sure that the flavor will distribute evenly. To preserve the taste of your dried thyme, remember to store it in a cool dark place in an airtight container. Even with good storage, it will only last for about 6 months, so check it for mustiness before you use it.

It is straightforward to grow your own thyme. If you do not have much space, you can grow it in a window box. Thyme goes so well with many French cooking recipes that it is very useful to have fresh thyme to hand. When the thyme is ready, you can dry it by hanging it upside down for several days until the leaves are crispy. You might also decide to use it fresh in your French cooking; in which case just use the leaves because the stems are woody. You can either pinch the leaves off or drag the plant through the tines of a fork.

There are many different recipes featuring thyme. A lot of French cooking recipes use thyme but it is also very good when added to a mushroom stroganoff. This is because mushrooms are earthy and so is thyme. Have a look through some French dessert recipes to find one, which will be delicious after your mushroom stroganoff. There are plenty of French dessert recipes to choose from but something soft and fruity like Pears Belle Helene or homemade vanilla ice cream will go well.

Thyme also suits most dishes that call for mustard. Honey mustard chicken can be too sweet for many people but adding some thyme makes the flavor rounder and much better.

As well as being used in French recipes, thyme goes very well with homemade salad dressings and vinaigrettes. It adds texture and spice. Thyme also goes well with soft, pale cheeses, if you are planning appetizers. The sharp taste of the thyme is excellent with the sweetness of the cheese.

There are many different ways to use thyme in French cooking recipes. Thyme will not suit all French recipes so you might want to experiment with this herb. Do not forget to find some French dessert recipes to finish off your meal to perfection!

Whether your looking for soup recipes or for chicken stew we cover chicken and soup with great recipes and helpful information.

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