Thyme

About

This entry is primarily about common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) but also covers cultivars such as lemon thyme and orange thyme. Common thyme, found along Mediterranean mountain trails and coastal paths, has a strong, sweet, herbaceous warmth that can tip into smokiness or a medicinal quality, and forms the backbone of a bouquet garni or herbes de Provence. Its bittersweet, aromatic flavor works well in slow-cooked tomato sauces, braised meat dishes, and bean stews, brings a grassy, pasture-like note to dairy, and is increasingly used in sweet dishes as well.

Pairs well with thyme

• CiLemonLemon and thyme pair at several intensities: chopped thyme with lemon zest and juice makes a strong dressing for fish, lamb or chicken;…
• CiOrangeThymol, the compound behind thyme's flavor, is also what sets mandarin apart from other oranges, giving it a herbal note alongside citric…
• FrTomatoThyme with tomato works like a milder version of tomato and oregano: thyme's dominant compound, thymol, is a softer counterpart to…
• SuGarlicGarlic and thyme is a gentler pairing than garlic and rosemary, and works on almost any savory dish -- vegetables, lamb, chicken, olives.
• SpCinnamonCinnamon and dried thyme mixed into seasoned flour make a crumb coating for baked chicken thighs, dipped in egg, breaded, and baked, with…
• RoChocolateChocolate and thyme is a well-regarded modern pairing: chefs Thomas Keller (The French Laundry, Per Se) top dark chocolate with sea salt…
• EaMushroomMushrooms pair well with grassy herbs like tarragon and parsley, but woody herbs suit them even better.
• MeBeefThyme is a common addition to beef stews; dried thyme can work even better than fresh, since it's one of the few herbs that gains a…
• MaShellfishThyme can overwhelm delicate shellfish, which pairs better with basil or tarragon, but works well in robust shellfish stews and chowders,…
• MePorkA rustic braise built on this pairing: brown pork sausages and sliced onions in oil, add a can of beans, a sprig of fresh thyme, salt,…
• MeChickenThyme is commonly used to flavor roast chicken, tucked under the skin or in the cavity; brining the chicken beforehand in a salted,…
• BrBaconBacon and thyme make a savory seasoning combination good with Puy lentils, partridge or Brussels sprouts.
• MeLambThyme and lamb are a classic pairing, less famous than rosemary or mint but chemically grounded: thymol, thyme's key aromatic compound, is…
• SuOnionThyme adds depth and freshness to creamy onion soup: chopped onions are sweated in butter and oil with thyme sprigs until soft, then…
• MaOily FishGrayling (Thymallus thymallus), a freshwater oily fish, has a natural aroma reminiscent of thyme when freshly caught, with a flavor…
• ChGoat CheeseCheese naturally flavored with thyme dates back to Roman times, a byproduct of goats grazing on thyme-covered scrubland -- Roves des…
• BrOliveBoth thyme and olives grow on the dry, rocky soil of the Mediterranean.
• MaWhite FishThe 19th-century French chef Marie-Antoine Carême argued that fish needs little beyond salt water to taste excellent, criticizing heavy…