A Ripple Autumn 2023 article

Thyme is an aromatic herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it has also been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasted meats and vegetables. In this article, we will explore the different ways you can use thyme in your cooking and for its health benefits.

Cooking with Thyme

Thyme is a popular herb in many cuisines, and it is often used in French, Italian, and Mediterranean dishes. It has a slightly sweet and earthy flavour, with notes of mint and lemon. Here are some ways you can use thyme in your cooking:

Seasoning meat: Thyme is a great herb to use for seasoning meat, particularly poultry, pork, and lamb. Rub some fresh thyme leaves on your meat before cooking, or add dried thyme to your marinade for a subtle flavour boost.

Flavouring soups and stews: Thyme is a common ingredient in soups and stews, as it adds a depth of flavour to the broth. Add a sprig of fresh thyme to your soup pot, or add dried thyme to your stew for a comforting and delicious meal.

Roasting vegetables: Thyme pairs well with roasted vegetables, particularly potatoes, carrots, and onions. Toss your vegetables with some olive oil, salt, and fresh thyme leaves before roasting for a flavourful side dish.

Infusing oils and vinegar: Thyme can be used to infuse oils and vinegar, which can be used in dressings, marinades, or as a finishing touch on your dishes. Simply add some fresh thyme leaves to your oil or vinegar and let it steep for a few days before using.

Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and it is believed to have a range of health benefits. Here are some of the ways thyme can be used for its health benefits:

Cough and cold relief: Thyme has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which makes it an effective remedy for coughs and colds. You can make thyme tea by steeping fresh or dried thyme leaves in hot water, or use thyme oil in a diffuser to relieve congestion.

Digestive aid: Thyme has been used as a digestive aid for centuries, and it is believed to help with indigestion, bloating, and flatulence. Add some fresh thyme to your meals to aid digestion, or make a thyme tea to soothe an upset stomach.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Thyme has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a useful herb for those with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. You can add fresh thyme to your meals, or make a thyme tea to enjoy its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Antioxidant properties: Thyme is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from free radicals that can cause damage to cells. You can add fresh thyme to your meals, or make a thyme tea to enjoy its antioxidant benefits.

In conclusion, thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasted meats and vegetables. It has a range of health benefits, including its antibacterial and antiviral properties, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant properties. Whether you’re using thyme for its flavour or its health benefits, it’s a herb that is worth incorporating into your cooking and daily routine.

Recipe By:

Anna Stockwell

Serves:

10 – 12

Active Cooking Time:

50 minutes

Total Cooking Time:

2 hrs including chilling

Ingredients

• 10–12 servings
• For the cake layers:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 8 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

• For the syrup:
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 6 thyme sprigs
• For assembly:
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled, halved or quartered if large, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Baby strawberries (optional)
• and thyme sprigs (for serving)

BAKE THE CAKE LAYERS:

Step 1

Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°F. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper, leaving sides unlined and ungreased. Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat; set aside.

Step 2

Whisk eggs, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Place stand mixer bowl over a pot of barely simmering water and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is warm to the touch and sugar is dissolved (use your fingers to check). Transfer bowl to stand mixer and beat on medium-high speed with the whisk attachment until mixture is cooled and tripled in volume, about 5 minutes (when you lift the whisk, mixture should fall back on itself in thick ribbons).

Step 3

Transfer melted butter to a medium bowl. Add thyme, vanilla, and 1 cup egg mixture to butter and whisk to combine.

Step 4

Transfer remaining egg mixture to a large wide bowl. Sift half of the flour over egg mixture. Using a rubber spatula or large balloon whisk, fold flour gently into egg mixture until almost fully incorporated. Repeat with the remaining flour, then fold in butter mixture with spatula just until incorporated. Gently divide batter between prepared pans; smooth surface.

Step 5

Bake cakes until tops are deep golden and centers spring back when pressed lightly, 25–30 minutes. Immediately run a knife around edges and remove springform. Transfer pans to a wire rack and let cakes cool completely.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

MAKE THE SYRUP

Step 6

Bring sugar, thyme, and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Let sit until cool, about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup and chill until ready to use.

ASSEMBLE THE CAKE:

Step 7

Using a serrated knife, trim top of each cake to make them flat. Brush tops with 2–3 Tbsp. syrup per cake, depending on how concentrated you’d like the thyme flavor to be.

Step 8

Toss 10 oz. strawberries with1 Tbsp. syrup in a medium bowl and let sit at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Step 9

Meanwhile, whip heavy cream to soft peaks in the bowl of stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add sour cream and 2 Tbsp. syrup and whip to stiff peaks.

Step 10

Transfer 1 cake layer to a platter and top with syrup-macerated strawberries. Top with half of the whipped cream, then place second cake layer gently on the first. Top with remaining whipped cream. Chill to set, at least 1 hour. Just before serving, arrange remaining 6 oz. strawberries, baby strawberries, if using, and thyme over cake.

Step 11

Cakes can be baked and syrup-soaked, but not assembled, 2 days ahead; wrap layers separately in plastic and chill. Thyme syrup can be made 5 days ahead; chill in a resealable container. Assembled cake can be made 12 hours ahead; chill.