Thyme is an herb that has been used in recipes for centuries because of its subtle, earthy flavour and aromatic fragrance. It is extremely versatile and goes well with different types of meat, vegetables, soups and even in sweet dishes. Whether you use fresh or dried thyme, it can take any dish to the next level. Here are five surprising recipes in which thyme plays the starring role.
Roast chicken with lemon and thyme
This simple but tasty dish combines succulent roast chicken with the fresh flavour of lemon and the spicy aroma of thyme. A perfect comfort food dish for any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1.5 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 lemon, in quarters
- 4 cloves of garlic, unpeeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C.Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme, both on the outside and under the skin.
- Fill the cavity of the chicken with the lemon quarters and garlic.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until golden brown and cooked through. Baste halfway through with the roasting liquid.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or potatoes.
Roasted vegetables with thyme and balsamic vinegar
Roasted vegetables get a delicious flavour boost with the addition of thyme and a dash of balsamic vinegar. This side dish is perfect to accompany meat, fish or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, cut into pieces
- 2 red onions, cut into wedges
- 1 courgette, sliced
- 1 red pepper, cut into strips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.Mix the vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the vegetables on a baking tray lined with baking paper and roast for 25-30 minutes, until soft and caramelised.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or use as a topping for a salad.
Thyme and garlic risotto
This creamy risotto with the subtle flavour of thyme and garlic is a deliciously comforting dish. It can be eaten on its own or served as a side dish with grilled meat or fish.
Ingredients
- 300 g risotto rice (such as arborio)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 l vegetable or chicken stock
- 100 ml white wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 25 g butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and gently fry the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the risotto rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Deglaze with white wine and stir until the wine is absorbed.
- Then add the stock in small amounts, and keep stirring until the rice has absorbed the stock. This process takes about 18-20 minutes.
- Stir the thyme, butter and Parmesan cheese into the risotto and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Grilled salmon with thyme and honey-lemon glaze
This grilled salmon is flavoured with a delicious glaze of honey and lemon, while thyme provides a spicy touch. This dish is quick and easy to prepare and perfect for a light meal.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill.
- Mix the honey, lemon juice, thyme, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking tray lined with baking paper and brush generously with the honey-lemon mixture.
- Grill the salmon for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked and lightly caramelised on the top.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Lemon cake with thyme
Thyme in a sweet dish? Yes indeed! This airy lemon cake with thyme is a surprising and refreshing treat. The earthy flavour of thyme combines perfectly with the fresh lemon, creating a delicious balance between sweet and spicy.
Ingredients
- 200 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 150 g butter, melted
- Juice and rasp of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a cake tin and dust with flour.
- Beat the eggs and sugar lightly and fluffily. Add the melted butter, lemon juice and zest, and mix well.
- Sift the flour, baking powder and salt over the mixture, and fold in gently. Add the thyme and mix briefly.
- Pour the batter into the cake tin and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Giet het beslag in de cakevorm en bak 35-40 minuten, of tot een satéprikker er schoon uitkomt.
Thyme is a fantastically versatile herb that comes into its own in both savoury and sweet dishes and recipes. From roast chicken and salmon to a fresh lemon cake, thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavour that gives any dish a special touch. Try these recipes and discover the versatility of thyme in your kitchen!