Whether you are a new cook or an experienced one, you will know that there are plenty of herbs, spices and seasonings that can be used to make a dish sublime. Thyme is a very popular herb and has various uses. Thyme is popular in French cooking recipes and goes with many different foods. Thyme gives food a tangy, earthy flavor and if you have used it, you will know that its taste and smell are very distinctive. A few interesting facts about thyme can help you decide when to use it in your cooking and how it brings out the flavor of your French recipes.
Thyme comes in a dried form, available from the store, or you can grow it fresh. A sprig of fresh thyme is equal in potency to half a teaspoon of dried thyme. You should add thyme cautiously because its flavor can be overpowering. Add a little and taste your French recipe or whichever recipe you are following. If it needs more, add a little more and taste again.
You need to crush the thyme leaves before adding dried thyme to your food, to ensure the thyme taste will be evenly distributed. Dried thyme should be kept in a dark, cool place in an airtight container. If you keep it in this way, it should last up to 6 months. When it is past its best, the thyme will begin to smell musty.
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 ways that you can integrate the special taste of thyme into your cooking. Thyme goes especially well with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, and a good mushroom stroganoff can be made absolutely spectacular with the addition of some well-placed thyme.
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.
If you make your salad dressings, particularly if you enjoy vinaigrettes of any flavor, thyme can be used to add some spice and texture to it. If you are planning a light lunch or appetizers, consider the fact that thyme goes quite well with a variety of soft, pale cheeses. The sweetness of the cheese will really bring out the sharp taste of the thyme, and you can combine them to taste.
The sky is the limit when it comes to finding uses for thyme. It is used in many French cooking recipes, so why not try a basic French recipe first, followed by a French dessert recipe. The impact of a sprinkle of thyme in your meal will be sure to pleasantly tantalize your taste buds.
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