You have probably used thyme to flavor some of your dishes. But if you have not done so, you will love to know that, in addition to offering health benefits, this herb can give a special touch to various foods such as meat, fish, soups, breads and even cakes, drinks and sweets!
Behavioral nutritionist Patrícia Cruz, Master of Health Sciences from the Faculty of Public Health of the University of São Paulo (USP), specialist in nutrition and eating disorders, comments that thyme is a plant originating in Europe and grown in southern and southeastern Brazil. . "The new leaves and branches are used in cooking as a condiment and aromatic herb," he says.
Scientifically named Thymus vulgaris, thyme is easily found in specialty stores and / or supermarkets, and can easily be grown in a vegetable garden. It is noteworthy that its cultivation is better in warm climates and with good sunshine during the year.
Thyme also gives rise to thyme essential oil, easily available for sale, and with interesting properties for health and beauty in general. Its most common use is through aromatherapy.
I know the health benefits of thyme, how to use it, and get inspired by delicious recipes that have it as a star.
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Thyme Benefits
Being a great ally in recipe preparation is not the only feature that makes thyme special. Check out the benefits it can offer (both for health, for your home and of course for your dishes):
Prevention of chronic diseases: Patricia explains that the essential oil called thymol, extracted from dried leaves, has microbial and antioxidant activity (flavonoids and tannins), which are responsible for preventing chronic non-communicable diseases.
Fighting respiratory problems: The nutritionist points out that tea made from dried or fresh herbs is used in conditions such as bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
Increased Immunity: Thyme is a source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Thus, consuming this herb frequently can contribute to increased immunity and improved overall health.
Fight acne: With antibacterial properties, thyme essential oil can be an ally in combating acne.
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Mildew Fight: With fungicidal properties, thyme essential oil can be used as a? disinfectant? in houses where there is a certain concentration of mold.
Wound care: With its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, thyme essential oil can be used to treat small wounds.
Repellent Power: With its penetrating aroma, thyme oil is still widely used as an insect repellent.
Anemia Prevention: iron source, frequent consumption of thyme can help raise hemoglobin levels in the blood, preventing anemia.
Versatility in cooking: Thyme can be easily used in food preparation, giving a special touch to various dishes such as meat, fish, soups, breads and even sweets.
Read also: Cumin: more flavor for your dishes and health benefits
Now you surely have good reason to include thyme in your daily life!
How to insert thyme in menu
Besides offering many benefits, thyme can be consumed in different ways. Know the most common uses of thyme:
Fresh and dried leaves
Patricia points out that thyme is considered an aromatic herb. It is usually used as an ingredient in salty preparations such as pork, boiled and roasted beef, potatoes, soups and sauces.
Both dry and fresh leaves have the same use in cooking. However, fresh ones tend to be more aromatic ?, says the nutritionist.
Patricia adds that fresh thyme can be used to flavor olive oil and vinegars.
Read also: Get to know different seasonings and learn how to use them in your recipes
Thyme tea
The nutritionist Patricia explains that the tea should be brewed, that is: let the water boil, turn off the heat and add the herb, wait 10 minutes and strain.
You can follow the recipe of 1 liter of water for every 1 tablespoon of dried herb or 1 fresh branch. Take up to 400 ml / day? Advises the nutritionist.
Thyme oil
In the form of essential oil, thyme also has several applications, such as those commented on the benefits topic: fighting acne and mold, disinfecting wounds, acting as a repellent and aromatherapy.
You can find it ready in stores that specialize in vegetable oils or natural products.
44 recipes that have thyme as a star
Want to include thyme in your diet? Get inspired with delicious recipes:
Delicious side dishes
1. Laminated Potatoes: This is not a quick recipe, but you just have to slice, place in the oven and be careful not to let the potatoes burn. That is, there is no secret! The result is a delicious snack with the special touch of thyme.
2. Garlic and Thyme Potatoes: A very quick recipe all made in the pan on the stove. These potatoes are made with the peel. Preferably use organic potatoes, otherwise wash them thoroughly with a brush before using them.
3. Baked carrot with thyme, lemon and almonds: a light and tasty recipe. The preparation time is 1 hour and 15 minutes and you will use only carrots, thyme, lemon, raw almonds, olive oil, salt and pepper.
4. Tomato sauce with thyme and basil: to give the classic tomato sauce a special flavor! In addition to tomatoes, you will use only onion, garlic, unsalted butter, red pepper, carrot, basil, thyme, salt and black pepper.
5. Roasted Thyme Vegetables: A Different Starter for a Special Occasion? Carrot and sweet onion, pumpkin and sweet potato crumbling, and all with the thyme scent. An option that goes well with roasted meats.
6. Baked onion with butter and thyme: a different entrée, beautiful and delicious. You will only use red onions, butter, salt, thyme and coarse salt, and you will be amazed at the result!
7. Roasted Cauliflower with Thyme: Very simply prepared in the oven, these cauliflowers can also turn into an amazing soup. Just grind them in a processor after baking with a little vegetable broth and a little cream until you get the consistency you want.
8. Omelet with leek and thyme: a way to vary the traditional omelette. You will basically use eggs, a sliced leek and plenty of fresh thyme, apart from salt and pepper. Perfect to be accompanied by a good arugula and tomato salad.
9. Neapolitan au gratin eggplant: You will only need eggplant, tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, onion, olive oil, grated mozzarella, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese and salt.
Irresistible Main Dishes
10. Roast drumstick with lemon, olive oil and thyme: In a very short time (taking the time off the oven), you prepare a beautiful, delicious and aromatic dish! You can also make this same recipe by switching from lemon to orange.
11. Roasted Thyme and Orange Chicken: A simple, tasty and juicy chicken, lightly perfumed with orange zest and thyme leaves, and roasted with a clove of onions, which saw an incredible accompaniment. Here's a tip for a special family lunch.
12. Thyme and Garlic Rump Steak: A great recipe for meat lovers who don't have the time / patience to let it season for a long time because their seasoning is freshly cooked. The result is a well-seasoned, tender meat with an incredible flavor.
13. Oven-roasted turkey breast with honey and thyme: You will basically take the turkey-roasted breast with olive oil, honey and thyme until golden brown. A simple but surprising preparation.
14. Mushroom Galette with Leek and Thyme: To make this dish different and tasty, you will basically use fresh mushrooms, red onion, leek, thyme, unsalted butter, cheese, salt and pepper.
15. Rabbit in the oven with bacon and thyme: a different dish for those who love to taste new flavors. You will only use chopped rabbits, bacon, onion, garlic, chopped fresh thyme, fresh sage, salt, pink pepper and wine.
16. Chops with lemon and thyme: The mixture of thyme and lemon makes the chops very aromatic and tasty. In addition to these main ingredients, you will use only garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
17. Baked Thyme Chicken Legs: Simply cooked in the oven, you will only use chicken legs, garlic, paprika, cumin powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, olive oil, salt and black pepper.
18. Pea and bacon risotto with bread crumbs and thyme: a complete, different and delicious meal. The farofa is made only with thyme sprigs, olive oil and panko bread flour or crushed French bread.
19. Chicken and Thyme Fettuccine: To make this delicious dish that becomes a full meal, you will use only leeks, chicken breasts, butter, thyme, white wine, salt, pepper, lemon, sour cream and fettuccine. .
20Gnocchi with mushrooms, sweet corn and thyme: a different and amazing combination of flavors. You will use yellow-skinned potatoes, wheat flour, breadcrumbs, olive oil, fresh mushrooms, sweet corn, fresh thyme, olive oil, butter, salt and black pepper.
21. Burger with Thyme Baked Potatoes: For snack you will basically use flank steak, beef ribs, beef brisket, cheddar, cheese plate, butter, salt and black pepper. For baked potatoes, use only fresh thyme, olive oil and salt.
22. Roasted Thyme Chicken Wings: Simple to cook, the recipe yields four people. You will only use chicken wings, English gravy, tabasco, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme leaves, salt and black pepper.
23. Filet with vegetables in mustard and thyme sauce: a simple but tasty dish. You will only use minced beef, red peppers, green peppers, jiló, tomatoes, spices, salt and fresh thyme.
24. Filet Mignon with thyme and rosemary: a delicious meat of simple preparation. The filet can be served with boiled green beans or mashed potatoes or chips.
25. Salmon with honey and thyme: An elegant and delicious dish, ideal for those who like to impress in the kitchen! You will basically use salmon, pepper, green salt, dried thyme leaves, wheat flour, honey, olive oil, butter and lemon.
26. Salmon with sweet potatoes, broccoli and thyme: A simple yet delicious dish. You will basically line an ovenproof pan with aluminum foil, pack the ingredients and close all the prepared with the leftover side of the aluminum foil.
Nutritious soups
27. Thyme Chicken Soup: A good tip for colder days and even those with a cold. You will need chicken, salt, pepper, onion, carrot, garlic, ginger, black pepper, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, rice or diced potatoes.
28. Beetroot soup with thyme: In this recipe, in addition to the thyme, the orange gives a special touch and the cube of yogurt, besides being a charm, brings a sour that contrasts gently with the taste and texture of the soup. It can be consumed both hot and cold.
29. Thyme Pumpkin Soup: The yield is six servings, and you will only need pumpkin, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, red peppers, salt, chives, fresh thyme, salt, black pepper and olive oil for finalize.
30. Practical tomato and thyme soup: great tip for cold nights. It's an easy recipe that requires few ingredients and is ready in no time. It's those little recipes that you can prepare without fear of being happy because the result is great.
31. Creamy Thyme Tomato Soup: To keep you warm from the cold in the best way possible! You will only use carrots, onions, garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, water, fresh cream and balsamic vinegar.
32. Tomato, thyme and paprika soup: A simple recipe that, within minutes, is ready for a delicious and healthy soup that you can serve accompanied by toast, fresh bread or as you prefer. The same basic recipe can be varied with other types of herbs.
33. Pea soup with celery and thyme sorbet: an amazing combination of flavors. For the soup, you will use olive oil, onion, garlic, frozen peas, spinach, vegetable stock, salt and pepperoni. For sorbet, use water, sugar, celery, lemon and thyme.
Amazing Sweets and Drinks
34. Strawberry Thyme Jam: Delicious and simple to make, you will use only strawberries, yellow sugar, orange, lemon, fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of salt.
35. Thyme Peach Sobert: For hot days, the best desserts are the cold ones, no doubt! And this one in particular is a peach sorbet with a touch of thyme and sparkling wine that is refreshing, sophisticated and easy to make.
36. Panna cotta of white chocolate with strawberry sauce and thyme: an elegant and delicious dessert. You will only use cream, buttermilk, sugar, agar, water, white chocolate, strawberry, thyme and lemon.
37. Champagne drink with cherries and thyme: ideal for friends at home. You will only need fresh thyme, mint, fresh cherries, honey, champagne and ice.
38. Bellini + Grissinis with Thyme Whipped Cream: Inspired by Woody Allen's All Say I Love You musical, this recipe teaches you how to make a simple and elegant drink and aperitif to greet friends at home.
39. Casin and Thyme Cointreau Fizz: Delicious, elegant and refreshing. To make this drink, you will only need lemon, sparkling water, Cointreau, honey, thyme, cashew nuts and ice.
Breads, pies and cakes
40. Gluten-free bread with multigrain and thyme: A healthy, tasty gluten-free, lactose-free recipe.You will use gluten free flour, eggs, dry yeast, olive oil, demerara sugar, xanthan gum, golden flaxseed, white sesame, black sesame, fresh thyme, white vinegar and water.
41. Thyme and olive brown bread: a different, healthy and tasty bread. You will use whole wheat flour, organic sugar, ice water, natural yeast, pink salt, thyme and pitted green olives.
42. Lemon and thyme cake: a different cake, delicious, very citrus, moist and fragrant. Great choice for a different afternoon snack or when you will receive home visits.
43. Quiche without zucchini, onion and thyme pasta: a light and delicious dish. Good tip for a quick dinner. You will only use zucchini, onion, eggs, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, garlic and salt.
44. Shrimp and thyme pumpkin tartlets: To make these delicious tartlets, you will use unleavened flour, butter, egg, water, mashed squash, shrimp, garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme, cream cheese, salt and black pepper.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Patricia explains that some people may have hypersensitivity to the herb. "In such cases, it is important to avoid consumption," he says.
• For pregnant and lactating women it is necessary to avoid the herb tea. In addition, people who have gastritis and ulcers should make the tea more diluted ?, adds the nutritionist.
Finally, it is worth mentioning, the best way to include thyme in your diet, to really enjoy the benefits it can offer, is to have the guidance of a nutritionist and / or doctor.
Working with Fresh Thyme (March 2024)
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