If you love to use herbs in your cooking then you’ve probably heard of thyme. This is a herb that is highly aromatic, has a distinct flavour and is incredibly popular for seasoning meat dishes but it also adds a beautiful flavour to veggie dishes too.
Thyme is part of the mint family, and grows in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The ancient Greeks loved it for its fragrant aroma and used it as incense.
How do I use thyme?
If it’s fresh thyme, you can use just the leaves, whole sprigs or chop it up. Dried thyme can be used during cooking so the flavour has time to infuse – think pasta sauces, soups and even baking – or sprinkled on top of dishes to give an instant flavour boost. Generally, 1 tsp dried thyme is equal to 1 tbsp. (3 tsp) snipped fresh thyme.
Fresh thyme lasts for up to a couple of weeks in the fridge, while the dried stuff lasts for two to three years when stored in a cool, dark cupboard. Make sure you keep the lid tightly closed when you’re not using it.
Sweet and sour swede (rutabaga) with bacon and thyme
a dish with colour and taste
The sweet flavours of swede (rutabaga) and honey offset the smoky, crispy bacon, garlic and thyme. The addition of red wine vinegar provides a sour twist and really gives this recipe a unique mix of flavours.
Doesn't it look a lovely colour in the pan - it may be served as a side dish or on its own for a reasonably priced and healthy dinner - as always dear reader, the choice is yours.
Ingredients
Serves Four
3 smoked bacon rashers*
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 swede (rutabaga), peeled and cut into 3cm (1 1/4in) pieces
1 tbsp. roughly chopped fresh thyme
2 whole garlic cloves, peeled
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. honey
Method
1. Cook the bacon in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat, until crisp and golden. Drain the bacon on kitchen paper, reserving 1 tsp of bacon fat, then roughly chop.
2. Return the pan to a medium heat, add the reserved bacon fat and the olive oil, along with the swede (rutabaga), thyme and garlic; season well. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the swede is softened and golden.
3. Add the vinegar, honey and reserved bacon. Cook for a further 5-10 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Serve immediately.
Each serving
Carbohydrate 12.5g Protein 2.9g Fibre 0.3g Fat 4.7g
From an original Tesco real food recipe here
*if you are vegetarian why not substitute with some veggie bacon
... and ending today's post with a question:-
Why did the chef break up with their partner?
... and the answer is:-
They just couldn't find common thyme!
Oh dear, are you chuckling or groaning?
But, I hope you may try this recipe suggestion 😋
All the best Jan
33 comments:
Always enjoy your posts, Jan, but have been out of touch for a while. Hopefully I'm getting caught up and will be back to posting and visiting. Your recipes and pictures are so delightful, I'm always drooling over them.
Using herbs makes such a difference!
I'm laughing at your joke! :)
I love thyme, did not know they are part of the mint family. -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
I don’t use much of it. Mostly in Greek foods.
I love thyme! So good. So good.
Me gusta poner tomillo y otras hierbas ala cocina. te mando un beso.
I can't think herb I don't like.
One of my favourite herbs!
Thyme is wonderful,
thanks for the info!
I always have some dried in my cupboard!!
Off-topic, in Fremantle (Australia), my friend suggested a destination far away.
Ingo, "G,... in Australia we have anything but time!" - her, looking at her Pizza (I was already laughing), "Ingo, .... we DO have thyme here in Australia!!" - thank you for the memory! It was too funny! When someone addresses someone and takes a break I just know (with these two) it will go wrong, LOL
Thyme is one of my favourite herbs but I struggle to grow it. It is the primary herb in Za'atar which is my favourite blend and I season nearly everything with Za'atar, keeping a large jar by the cooker.
About the joke, don't give up the day job! lol, Debbie.
lol, good one Jan. The meal in the pan looks good.
I like the sound of swede and bacon but I find thyme too aromatic.
Thyme really shines here, tying everything together with its subtle warmth, and I love how simple ingredients come together to create something so flavorful and comforting.
Thyme flowers are so pretty and the bees love them.
I have a small herb garden and plant all the herbs in alphabetical order. A friend asked me where I find the time. I said it's near the sage and parsley.
We shall try the recipe. We usually have swede.
God bless.
We love thyme. When Spring comes round again I will plant more. Until then dry thyme will have to suffice.
In addition to veggies and meat, I also like thyme with some fishes.
...this isn't something that we use often.
Hello,
I like thyme, the recipe looks delicious.
Take care, have a great day!
Thyme is always a fun herb to use. And to grow into he garden as a border too. Hope your day is going well.
We use thyme quite a bit.
I have thyme growing in my herb garden. I like it on eggs. :-)
Carla
Jan, I will confess to never having tried rutabaga, but I have enjoyed using thyme in many dishes.
That sure does look good.
I believe I have a seasoning jar that has thyme in it, but not sure, I don't think I have ever had it fresh, just dried. I did smile at your last joke :)
THyme is my very favorite herb -- even more than basil (but it's close!) I love it in eggs, in dips, in everything!
I've got thyme growing in the garden which I use in cooking.
I've got a swede I need to use but no bacon but it does look tasty.
i love fresh herbs, and always have them growing in my kitchen. i use fresh herbs in almost everything i cook!!
It's very good and healthy :-D
I love fresh herbs, Jan. Thank you so much for sharing.
Ouch, for the joke! 😊But the recipe looks good and I do love the smell of fresh thyme, which I grow in the garden.
Hay mucho por aquí en el monte y tengo plantado en el jardín tomillo limón. Besos.
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