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thyme

Fresh herbs bring flavor and beauty to food

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By Julia Howard

Burger’s Market Garden, photo by Pattie Garrett

At the farmers’ market, fragrant herb bouquets and pots spilling with over with leafy herb plants offer market-goers an abundance of culinary exploration. While common herbs do compliment specific foods, there are no rules for what to use them in. Fresh herbs may be mixed and matched to your liking.

Common herbs can be put into two categories: woody herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage, and soft herbs such as basil, parsley, and cilantro. Woody herbs can be added earlier in the cooking process while soft herbs are commonly added towards the end of the cooking process or as a garnish.

Herbs can be easily stored upright in a jar of water or between a damp paper towel in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Here are just some of the common herbs available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the farmers’ market.

Basil, photo by Pattie Garrett

Basil is recognized by its glossy, pointed leaves and sweet-savory flavor. Basil pairs well with tomatoes, strawberries, mozzarella, beef, and shrimp.

Cilantro is a delicate citrusy herb most commonly used fresh at the end of cooking. Cilantro is popular in Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.

Mint has a subtly sweet and peppery flavor, and it is used for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. Its powerful flavor compliments lamb, feta, mojitos, and even chocolate.

Dill is a delicate and feathery herb with slender stems. Dill pairs with salmon, cucumber, and potatoes, and is commonly used in pickling mixtures, dressings, and egg dishes.

Chives have a subtly oniony flavor with hints of garlic. Recognizable by its grass-like leaves and vibrant green color, chives make the perfect garnish for dishes with eggs or potatoes.

Thyme has small, pale green leaves and pungent aroma that pairs well with hearty meat like pork and chicken. Thyme holds up well to heat and can be used during the cooking process.

Parsley, photo by Pattie Garrett

Parsley is a mild bitter herb that many use as a garnish for food, but it helps dishes like stews achieve a more balanced flavor. As an added benefit, parsley can aid in digestion.

Oregano is a sweet, slightly peppery member of the mint family. This herb is commonly used in dishes like tomato sauce, yogurt sauce, and kebabs, and is a staple in Italian and Greek cuisine.

Rosemary has been prized for its sturdy, aromatic sprigs and oil for centuries. Its needle-like leaves can be used for roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and even flavorful bundt cakes.

Sage is known for its fuzzy leaves and savory flavor with a peppery bite. Fresh sage leaves are commonly used in sausage and gnocchi. Sage can be cooked or fried as a garnish for squash.

 

This week’s recipe: Green Herb Yogurt Dip

Roast Chicken

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Adapted from the recipe by Ina Garten, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table
Makes 8 servings

Photo by Pattie Garrett

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
● 1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken*
● Kosher salt
● Freshly ground black pepper
● 1 large bunch fresh thyme*
● 1 lemon, halved
● 1 head garlic*, cut in half crosswise
● 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter*, melted

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Remove the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken.
3. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken.
4. Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve.

Mushroom Kale Pizza

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Adapted from the recipe by Half Baked Harvest, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table
Serves: 6 servings

 

Photo by Pattie Garrett

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 2 cups shredded Tuscan kale*
● 2 Tablespoons olive oil
● 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar*
● 8 ounces mixed mushrooms*, torn
● 2 cloves garlic*, minced
● 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves*, plus more for serving
● kosher salt and pepper
● ½ pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
● 4 fresh sage leaves*, chopped
● 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
● 1 cup shredded Havarti cheese* (I used Argyle Cheese Farmer’s Faith)
● 1 Tablespoon butter*, thinly sliced into 3 pieces

 

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the kale, olive oil, and vinegar. Massage the kale with your hands for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 10 to 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a prepared baking sheet.
4. Top the dough with sage, red pepper and then layer the kale mushroom mixture. Top with Havarti cheese and thin slices of butter.
5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
6. Top with fresh thyme.

Notes:
● If using a cast-iron skillet, place the skillet in a hot oven for about 10 minutes. You can heat the skillet on the stovetop. Be careful not to let the skillet start smoking or get scorching hot. Add oil and maybe sprinkle a little cornmeal in the skillet. Carefully add the dough to the skillet, pressing the dough up the sides.
● The original recipe calls for 1 Tablespoon fig preserves spread on the dough and 3 ounces of goat cheese crumbled and added with the red pepper.

Carrots and Sweet Potatoes

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Photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett

Recipe by Cook’s Illustrated, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table
Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients
● 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter*, cut into ½ inch pieces
● 1 shallot*, minced
● 1 cup chicken broth
● 1 cup apple cider*
● 6 sprigs fresh thyme*
● 2 bay leaves
● salt and pepper
● 1 pound carrots*, peeled and sliced about ¼ inch thick
● 1 pound sweet potatoes*, peeled halved lengthwise and sliced ¼ inch thick
● ¼ cup coarsely chopped candied ginger
● 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
● 3 Tablespoons minced fresh cilantro*

Instructions
1. Melt 1 Tablespoon butter in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and just beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add broth, cider, thyme, bay leaves, 1½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add carrots and sweet potatoes, stir to combine and return to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 10 to 14 minutes.

2. Remove pot from heat. Discard thyme springs and bay leaves and stir in candied ginger. Push vegetable mixture to sides of the pot. Add mustard and remaining 2 Tablespoons butter to center and whisk into cooking liquid. Stir to coat vegetable mixture with sauce, transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Farmers’ Market Vegetable Tian

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Adapted from the recipe on www.theblondcook.com
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 2 large yellow onions*, cut in half and sliced
● 2 garlic cloves*, minced
● 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced
● 2 medium-size potatoes*, unpeeled and thinly sliced
● 3 medium tomatoes*, thinly sliced
● 1 cup semi-soft artisan cheese*, shredded (anything that melts well)
● 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme*
● Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil in a skillet. Spread the onion and garlic mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish.
  3. Evenly arrange the vegetable slices vertically and tightly in the casserole dish, alternating vegetables.
  4. Sprinkle with desired amount of salt, pepper and fresh thyme.
  5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove aluminum foil. Sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven and bake an additional 15 minutes (uncovered), or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Carbonara

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Recipe featured on damndelicious.net, adapted by My Saratoga Kitchen Table

Makes 4 servings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min

Ingredients
*All ingredients are currently available at the farmers’ market
● 8 ounces spaghetti*
● 2 large eggs*
● 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan*
● 4 slices bacon*, diced
● 2 cloves garlic*, minced
● Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
● 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves*

For the roasted cauliflower and butternut squash:
● 16 ounces cauliflower florets*
● ½ a butternut squash*, peeled and cubed
● 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil*
● 3 cloves garlic*, minced
● 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves*
● Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
  2. Place cauliflower florets and butternut squash cubes in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add olive oil, garlic and thyme; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine.
  3. Place into oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown; set aside.
  4. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup water and drain well.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan; set aside.
  6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes; reserve excess fat.
  7. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low.
  8. Working quickly, stir in cauliflower, pasta and egg mixture, and gently toss to combine; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, cooking until desired consistency is reached.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with thyme, if desired.
Photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett