Thyme leaves/12 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.

Italian chicken stir-fry with pepperoni, bell peppers, zucchini, red wine, rosemary, and thyme, finished with Parmesan. A fast skillet dinner that blends Italian flavors with stir-fry technique.

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.

Flour-dusted chicken browned golden and simmered in a fragrant curry-tomato sauce with sweet currants, bell pepper, and toasted almonds. Served over rice with coconut and chutney for a vibrant one-pot dinner.

Shrimp, cod, and calamari sautéed with garlic and tossed with tagliatelle in a simmered tomato-wine sauce with mussels on top. A showstopping Italian seafood pasta for a crowd.

Cider chicken braised Normandy-style with hard cider, calvados, bacon, prunes, slow-cooked onions, and a fresh bouquet garni. Rustic French autumn cooking at its best.

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.