Thyme powder is a versatile spice made from dried and ground thyme leaves. This earthy, floral spice adds depth of flavor and aroma to dishes across many cuisines. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the myriad uses of thyme powder and how to get the most out of this popular ingredient.
Thyme is an herb that originated in the Mediterranean region and belongs to the mint family. There are over 100 varieties of thyme, with common thyme and lemon thyme being the most widely used in cooking. Thyme has an assertive, woodsy flavor with hints of mint and lemon.
To make thyme powder, fresh thyme sprigs are harvested, cleaned, and left to dry completely. Once dried, the leaves are ground into a fine powder that captures the essential oils and flavor of thyme.
Thyme powder has an intense, concentrated thyme flavor that makes it extremely versatile in the kitchen. It has notes of earthiness, wood, citrus, and pine. The fine texture allows it to blend seamlessly into recipes, infusing thyme's aroma and taste.
Using Thyme Powder in Savory Cooking
Thyme powder is a workhorse in savory cooking, lending its pronounced flavor to meats, vegetables, grains, and more. Here are some of the most popular uses:
Seasoning Meats
Thyme powder is ideal for seasoning all kinds of meats including beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, and fish. It can be used in:
- Rubs - Mix with oil, salt, pepper and spices to make a thick paste for coating meats before grilling or roasting. The thyme infuses the exterior with flavor.
- Marinades - Combine with oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and spices. Marinate meats for added flavor.
- Brines - Add to saltwater brines to impart flavor to meats like chicken and turkey.
- Stuffings and dressings - Mix with breadcrumbs, vegetables, and seasonings for flavorful stuffing.
Cooking Vegetables
Thyme powder pairs exceptionally well with root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets, as well as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and mushrooms. It can be used to:
- Roast vegetables - Toss carrots, potatoes, or broccoli florets with oil, salt, and thyme powder before roasting.
- Saute vegetables - Add thyme powder to the pan when sauteing mushrooms, zucchini, or other veggies.
- Steam or boil - Add to the steaming liquid for flavors like thyme-infused boiled new potatoes.
- Salad dressings - Whisk with oil, vinegar, and mustard for a tangy thyme vinaigrette.
Seasoning Grains and Legumes
Thyme powder can introduce flavor complexity to rice, pasta, beans, lentils and more.
- Add it to tomato-based pasta sauces for an earthy depth.
- Sprinkle on top of cooked risotto or pilaf for aroma.
- Mix into baked goods like cornbread, pizza dough, and focaccia.
- Flavor lentil or bean soups and stews.
Making Gravies and Sauces
The concentrated flavor of thyme powder makes it an excellent addition to gravies and savory sauces:
- Whisk thyme powder into pan gravies and jus for roasted meats.
- Add to cream- or cheese-based sauces for extra dimension.
- Use in hearty tomato sauces for bold thyme flavor.
- Mix into vinaigrettes, chimichurri or pesto for herby freshness.
Infusing Oils and Vinegars
Thyme's flavor can be infused into oils and vinegars for use in cooking, marinades, salad dressings and more:
- Oil - Heat extra virgin olive oil with thyme powder, then cool and strain.
- Vinegar - Steep thyme powder in wine or cider vinegar for 2 weeks.
- Compound butter - Blend with softened butter then chill to harden.
Baking With Thyme Powder
While thyme is mostly known for its savory applications, thyme powder can also be used to impart its lovely flavor to baked goods:
Yeast Breads
- Knead thyme powder into doughs for breads like focaccia, breadsticks, and soft pretzels.
- Use in place of other herbs like rosemary in bread recipes.
- Sprinkle on top of freshly baked bread or rolls for aroma and flavor.
Cookies and Cakes
- Add to sugar cookie, shortbread, or butter cookie dough.
- Mix into cake batters and cupcakes for subtle thyme flavor.
- Use in place of other herbs like rosemary in cake and cookie recipes.
Savory Baked Goods
- Mix into biscuit dough, scones, muffins or cornbread.
- Sprinkle over the tops or knead into pizza dough.
- Add to quiches, frittatas, savory pies and tarts.
Thyme Powder as a Finishing Spice
A dash of thyme powder is an easy way to finish a dish. Some finishing ideas:
- Sprinkle over soups before serving - potato, tomato, vegetable, chicken noodle.
- Dust over pizza, pasta, or flatbreads right before eating.
- Garnish salads, roasted veggies, grilled meats or fish.
- Add to olive oil with vinegar for an instant vinaigrette drizzle.
- Mix with melted butter, then drizzle over steamed or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Shelf Life
To get the most shelf life out of thyme powder:
- Store in an airtight container away from light and moisture. A small mason jar works well.
- Keep in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration can extend shelf life.
- Properly stored, thyme powder will last about 1 year before losing its potency.
- Smell and taste periodically. Discard once the aroma and flavor fades.
Complementary Flavors for Thyme Powder
Thyme's woodsy earthiness pairs well with other herbs and spices. Some classic combinations:
- Garlic, basil, oregano, marjoram, parsley, dill
- Black pepper, paprika, cumin
- Onion, shallot, potato, mushroom
- Lemon, vinegar, wine, olives, tomatoes
- Chicken, pork, fish, lamb, beef, eggs
Don't be afraid to experiment with thyme powder in both sweet and savory combinations. Its versatility will enhance a wide spectrum of ingredients.
FAQs
Is thyme powder the same as ground thyme?
Yes, thyme powder and ground thyme are the same product - thyme leaves that have been dried and ground into a powder. The names are interchangeable.
What's the difference between thyme powder and fresh thyme?
Fresh thyme has a brighter, more pronounced herbal flavor. As a dried herb, thyme powder has a more concentrated, intensified taste. It also has a longer shelf life than fresh.
How should I substitute dried thyme for fresh thyme?
A general guideline is to use one-third of the amount of thyme powder as you would fresh thyme. For every 1 tablespoon of fresh, use 1 teaspoon of thyme powder.
Can I use thyme powder to make tea?
Yes, thyme powder can be steeped in hot water to make a nourishing thyme tea. Use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per 8 oz cup of hot water and steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain out the powder particles before drinking. Lemon thyme powder makes a nice citrusy tea.
What dishes use thyme powder?
Thyme powder shines in Mediterranean dishes like pizza, pasta, roasted vegetables, meat rubs, marinades, gravies, and tomato sauces. It's also great in French and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Conclusion
Thyme powder may be ground and dried, but it retains the delightful woodsy, citrus notes that make thyme so indispensable in the kitchen. Its intense flavor allows it to shine in a multitude of dishes across many cuisines.
Use it to season roasts, add depth to sauces, give a twist to baked goods, or simply finish a dish as a garnish. With proper storage, thyme powder can be enjoyed for up to a year, lending its magic to all your culinary endeavors.