Thyme – Health Benefits as a Cooking Ingredient

Thyme stands out on our spice racks as an herb for all seasons! It's fantastic for vegans because it's distinctive taste magically transforms the plainest of vegetables, bean salads & soups; & unlike most other herbs, when it's used dried, it's still bursting with flavor.

Thyme is also a hugely popular addition to must-have blends such as za’atar, Italian seasoning, & herbs de Provence.

And above all of this, this miraculous herb boasts a plethora of excellent medicinal qualities [1]

Facts About Thyme

Did you know that because of its wonderful aroma, Thyme was used as for the embalming process in ancient Egypt, and as an exotic incense in ancient Greece?

And could you have guessed that Thyme has more than 400 types of subspecies?

How Can I Make Thyme Oil?

Everyone can harness Thyme's fabulous woodland essence - all you have to do is to infuse it into oil. The only thing you have to bear in mind, is that the aroma of the oil shouldn't be over-powering.

So, this means avoiding anything strong, such as extra-virgin olive oil. The best move is to pick a neutral oil such as canola or sunflower.

Once you have rinsed the fresh herb's sprigs, lay them out as widely as you can on a paper towel that's draped over a large plate. A good rule of thumb is to use: approximately three-quarters of a cup of sprigs, to each cup of oil.

Now leave the sprigs to dry overnight.

When you are ready to carry on the next day, using a pestle and mortar, lightly muddle up the entire bunch of Thyme. After this, get hold of a saucepan with a heavy bottom, and put in some oil and the springs. No put the cooker on a medium to low heat.

Use a thermometer to keep a regular check on the real-time temperature of the oil, and when it gets to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, take it off the heat.

After the oil has reached room temperature, use a sieve to strain it into a bowl, and then use a funnel to carefully pour the oil to a glass bottle.

If refrigerated, the oil should last for up to 4 weeks. Important note: if the infused oil suddenly changes color, or develops a different odor, dispose of it immediately.

How About Trying: 'Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Thyme'

This comforting rustic meal comprises protein-boosting lentils, an assortment of vegetables in sumptuous gravy, and a generous topping of seasonal light fluffy mashed potato.

Ingredients

• Lentils (puy, green or brown) freshly cooked or from a can
• Olive oil
• Large brown or red onion
• Fresh carrots
• Corn (fresh, from a can, or frozen)
• Peas (fresh, from a can, or frozen)
• Celery (optional)
• Fresh garlic
• Flour (whole wheat, light spelt, etc.)
• Potatoes (russet or Yukon), chopped into small cubes
• Almond milk
• Tomato paste
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce (vegan) or vegetable broth
• Thyme (fresh or dried)
• Rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper
  

Instructions

• Create your mashed potato topping
• Make the filling by sautéing the garlic, carrot, celery and onion, for 5 minutes
• Then add in the Thyme (and if desired, the rosemary), and continue to cook for a further minute
• Now put in the lentils, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and flour; and keep stirring the pot until the flour has been fully absorbed into the mixture
• After this, add in the vegetable broth, corn, peas, mustard, and salt and pepper, and stir periodically on a mild simmer, for 5 minutes

After the filling is ready, layer on the mashed potato topping to cover the entire surface. - If you prefer to pour the filling on to a baking tray, and then add the topping, then you can do so. Be sure to make a traditional pattern in the mash potato with the back of a fork.

All you have to do, is to make a Criss Cross design by dragging the fork from one side of the pan to the other, and then back again in the opposite direction.

Bake uncovered at 400 degrees (in a preheated oven) for 25 minutes to half an hour.

Then allow the dish to stand for a quarter of an hour before eating. - Enjoy!

How Thyme Boosts Our Health & Well-Being