| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 10g | 1g | 21g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 4g | 3g | 0.25g |
Roasted Good King Henrys with Thyme – one bite into this delightful vegetable-based recipe, and you’re instantly transported to the sun-soaked terraces of Italy where the fragrant thyme and vibrant Good King Henry leaves dance on your tongue. As someone drenched in family tradition and always looking to bring a piece of that heartfelt nostalgia to my cooking, this recipe is a real labor of love.
A Harmony of Flavors
What I love about this dish is its symphony of flavors. The unique taste of Good King Henry leaves, a bit like a cross between spinach and asparagus, come together with the aromatic thyme to give an earthy balance to the sweetness of the fruit and honey. This medley tantalizes the palate, sure to cast a spell on your dinner guests and leave them wanting more.
Nutritious and Delicious
Aside from the superb taste, Roasted Good King Henrys with Thyme is undeniably healthy too. It’s packed with nutrients that can bring a wealth of benefits. Good King Henry leaves are rich in essential minerals and vitamins, like vitamin A, which aids eye health. The berries and lemon provide an excellent source of vitamin C, great for boosting your immune system and promoting heart health. Olive oil, honey, and the optional almond flakes bring along their own health properties, contributing to heart health, aiding digestion, and providing a good source of protein and healthy fats.
A Versatile Star of the Show
This dish, while a standalone winner, could also make for a perfect side dish to the classic Italian American favorites we all love, such as a hearty spaghetti meatball or a well-roasted chicken. Looking for a lighter pairing? Try combining it with a classic Caprese salad, the mozzarella and tomato dish that forms the backbone of any Italian summer feast. However you serve up your Roasted Good King Henrys with Thyme, it’s bound to be a hit at the table.
As a grandfather who enjoys hiking, making this recipe is as much a joy as eating it. Every ingredient serves a purpose, every step of the process a testament to a heritage shared and savored. Try this authentic recipe for a culinary experience that both comforts and excites, blending the familiar with the refreshingly new. Buon appetito!
What You’ll Need
- 2 bunches of Good King Henry leaves
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves
- 1 Cup of mixed fruit (such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries)
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup of roasted almond flakes (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). Place 2 bunches of Good King Henry leaves in a large mixing bowl.
Step Two
Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves to the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the leaves are well coated.
Step Three
Transfer the Good King Henry leaves onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the leaves are crispy.
Step Four
While the leaves are roasting, prepare the fruit. Take 1 cup of mixed fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, rinse and pat them dry. Set aside.
Step Five
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of honey, zest and juice of 1 large lemon.
Step Six
Remove the Good King Henry leaves from the oven. Drizzle the honey and lemon mixture over the roasted leaves, and top them with the prepared mixed fruit.
Step Seven
If desired, sprinkle 1/4 cup of roasted almond flakes on top for extra crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy your Roasted Good King Henrys with Thyme.
