Thyme leaves/11 recipes

Hearty thirteen-bean soup with smoked pork, black beans, tomatoes, and a splash of sherry. Half pureed for a thick, creamy texture with whole beans in every spoonful.

Two whole chickens simmered with leeks, carrots, celery, and fresh thyme yield a crystal-clear broth and tender diced meat. A from-scratch chicken soup that's worth every minute of the 2.5-hour simmer.

A gourmet vegan black bean chili loaded with chanterelle and shiitake mushrooms, five types of chiles, spelt berries, fresh corn, and dried sour cherries. Simmered in tomato and orange juice for layers of earthy, smoky, sweet heat.

Classic French Provencal dish usually cooked in a heavy casserole on the stove top or in the oven; would also work well in slow cooker. Use inexpensive stewing beef or oyster blade; it will not be anywhere near as good if you use more expensive cuts of beef.

Fresh Spanish chicken stir-fry loaded with tomatoes, mushrooms, black olives, and herbs over brown rice. Healthy one-pan dinner bursting with vegetables.