Whenever I bring up favorite Thanksgiving sides in conversation, Green Bean Casserole always rises near the top. Even though Stuffing seems to be the emotional favorite.

Hello carbs!

Before we get too far in, this may or may not be the time to share that before now, I’ve never been a big fan of green bean casserole.

Inevitably, every Thanksgiving luncheon or dinner I’ve attended has included at least one of this hallowed dish. I want to like it.

I love green beans and I love casseroles. But over the years I’ve been disappointed with the lack of…..flavor.

I’m not going to hate on canned “cream of” soups. In fact, I embrace them at times. But I’m just going to suggest that the classic recipe could enjoy a flavor boost by including fresh ingredients.

Several years ago, when I and every other food blogger were deconstructing dishes, I came up with this recipe. It was actually really good.

So it is with that sentiment in mind that I’ve freshened up this holiday favorite and made a proper casserole.

The Casserole Ingredients

• Fresh green beans
• Fresh mushrooms
• Homemade parmesan cream sauce
• Crispy shallots
• Shaved parmesan cheese
• Finished with a little lemon zest for bright flavor

The Preparation

Blanch or steam green beans until just tender and bright green. I steam mine 8 minutes over a pan of boiling water. Alternately you can blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Place in ice bath to stop cooking, then transfer to a 3 quart casserole dish.

The mushrooms are pan browned first, giving them their wonderful golden color and rich flavor.

Add the browned mushrooms to the casserole dish on top of the green beans.

Prepare a basic white sauce, then add parmesan cheese. The result is a luxurious sauce that single handedly turns this dish into comfort food!

The green beans and mushrooms are blanketed with the luxurious parmesan cream sauce.

The casserole is baked covered for 35 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until lightly browned around the edges.

While the casserole is baking, prepare the crispy shallots. Thinly slice shallots then gently fry in batches in vegetable oil until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Top casserole with the crispy shallots and bake an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

Fresh Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole with Crispy Shallots has all the comfort you want with the beautiful fresh ingredients you deserve.

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Fresh Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole with Crispy Shallots

Fresh Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole with Crispy Shallots has all the comfort you want with the beautiful fresh ingredients you deserve.

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Servings 12

Ingredients

For the Green Beans & Mushrooms

• 2 pounds fresh green beans ends trimmed
• 1 pound cremini (button) mushrooms sliced
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 4 Tablespoons butter divided
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 2 cups half & half
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt & pepper to taste

For the Crispy Shallots

• 3 large shallots thinly sliced
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

For the Garnish

• 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese for garnish
• 1 zest of lemon for garnish

Instructions

For the Green Beans & Mushrooms

• Place a steamer basket over a large pot of boiling water. Add green beans and steam for 8 minutes or until just tender and bright green. Alternately you can blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Transfer cooked beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
• Add 2 Tbl. butter, 1 Tbl. olive oil and 2 sprigs fresh thyme to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and brown on one side without turning, about 4-5 minutes. Turn over mushrooms and brown on the other side, about 3 minutes. Remove from pan and reserve. Melt remaining 2 Tbl. butter, 1 Tbl. olive oil and thyme sprigs. Add remaining mushrooms and brown on both sides. Remove from pan and reserve.

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce

• In a medium sauce pan, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter over medium heat until hot and bubbly. Add flour and whisk to combine. Continue cooking until lightly golden brown, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in half & half. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until cheese is melted. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

For the Crispy Shallots

• In a medium sauce pan bring 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 375° F. Working in batches, fry sliced shallots until deep golden brown. Remove with a mesh strainer and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Continue with remaining shallots.

To Assemble Casserole

• Preheat oven to 350° F. Arrange green beans in a 3 quart casserole dish. Top with browned mushrooms and parmesan cream sauce. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake covered 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until sauce is bubbling and lightly browned around edges. Add Crispy Shallots and bake an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

The post Fresh Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole with Crispy Shallots appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

This recipe is the perfect make-ahead side dish that can be reheated in the oven or the microwave.

These creamy potatoes are fluffy with a nice buttery flavor.

Perfect if you ask me!

The Potatoes

For this recipe you’ll need 5 pounds of russet potatoes, or about 6 bakers. I find this variety of potato to yield the perfect smooth and creamy consistency.

No gritty or gluey mashed potatoes here. Please tell me you know what I’m referring to :)

The Cooking Method

Peel and cut potatoes into about 6-8 pieces each and place in large pot of salted cold water. Add a bay leaf, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, a couple garlic cloves and salt to the water. Thank you to the Kitchn for this recipe tip!

We’re going to take advantage of any opportunity to infuse flavor into our potatoes. If you don’t want flecks of thyme leaves in your potatoes you can place the fresh herbs in a cheese cloth bundle, then discard after boiling.

Cook potatoes just until *fork tender, then drain and return to the hot cooking pot to dry. Remove and discard the thyme and bay leaf before mashing.

*the ideal way to achieve fork tender potatoes is when you can insert a fork easily but still lift the potato from the water before it falls off. Not scientific, but tried and true.

I still use a good old fashioned potato masher but have heard of great results when using a potato ricer as well. For best results, please resist the urge to use an electric mixer which tends to deliver a gluey mash.

Add the following ingredients to the mashed potatoes:

• butter (1/2 cup)
• cream cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• salt & pepper to taste

Continue to mash until well combined. Transfer potatoes to a 9×13 baking dish. Add dollops of butter to top, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

The beauty of this recipe is it can be made up to 2 days in advance of serving. And you can reheat in the oven or microwave.

Oven Heating Method

Oven heating is my preferred method because we love the buttery golden top.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Remove potatoes from refrigerator and allow to rest at room temperature
• Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or lightly browned and heated through
• Heating times will vary depending on oven and if multiple dishes are being heated together
• Tent with foil If casserole begins to brown too quickly

Microwave Heating Method

Reheating in the microwave comes in very handy, especially during the holidays when oven space is in high demand.

• Microwave potatoes uncovered on high in one minute increments
• Stir after each minute, until hot

Family Favorite Side Dishes

If you’re planning your Thanksgiving or Holiday menu, here are a few our our family’s favorite side dishes.

• Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar & Pecans
• Summer Squash Casserole
• Herb Browned Butter Stuffing
• Fresh Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole with Crispy Shallots

Everyone loves mashed potatoes. When you’re planning a big meal, go ahead and make this side dish in advance. One less thing to worry about as you’re enjoying the company of friends and family.

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

The post Easy Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

Big bold flavors. Bright cheerful colors.

There’s nothing boring about these burgers.

I have a Jerk Marinade that I’ve used for Turkey Tenderloin, Turkey Meatballs, Caribbean Couscous Salad….

Its punchy, gently spicy, with bursts of citrus and herbs. There’s warmth from the spices balanced by the natural mildness of ground turkey. I’m addicted!

To make these burgers, mix up your spices and aromatics first then add them to the ground turkey. This insures the flavors are incorporated well without overworking the mixture.

Overworking = tough burgers.

When cooked properly Turkey Burgers are moist and juicy. Ground turkey is tender and can be tricky to cook on a grill. The secret I’ve found is to sear the patties in a hot pan, then finish them in the oven. They come out perfectly every time.

Turkey Burgers reheat beautifully too, so they are fantastic for meal prep and making lunches for the week! The flavors in these jerk burgers are even better the next day, warm or cold!

Juicy Jerk Turkey Burgers with Caribbean Coleslaw are fun for the weekend, but easy enough for a weeknight meal! Serve them on toasted burger buns or lettuce wraps, topped with Caribbean Coleslaw.

Are there recipes that remind you of a favorite vacation that you’d like to see us recreate? I’d love for you to comment below. Your feedback is so important to me (and keeps the recipe love fresh).

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Juicy Jerk Turkey Burgers with Caribbean Coleslaw

Juicy Jerk Turkey Burgers with Caribbean Coleslaw scream summer! Big bold tropical flavors. Bright cheerful colors. Smiles all around!

Course Burgers

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs use gluten free panko for GF version

Spices and Aromatics

• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 sprigs minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 scallion thinly sliced
• 1 small jalapeno fine diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• oil for pan frying

For Serving

• 1 cup Caribbean Coleslaw recipe link in post
• 4 burger buns lightly toasted

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Mix spices and aromatic together. Add ground turkey, egg and panko breadcrumbs. Mix with hands until just combined.
• Form into 4 burger patties. Heat 1 Tablespoon cooking oil in oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Pan fry burgers 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to oven. Cook for 10 minutes or until internal temperature of burgers reaches 165° F. Remove and allow to rest 5 minutes.
• To serve, place each burger on a toasted bun and top with 1/4 cup Caribbean coleslaw.

The post Juicy Jerk Turkey Burgers with Caribbean Coleslaw appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

The simple spice blend delivers bold balanced flavor.

The Spice Rub Ingredients

The rub consists of equal parts: salt, granulated garlic, dried oregano & thyme, ground cumin & coriander.

Just a few ingredients deliver maximum flavor in this recipe.

The Cooking Method

You’ll sear the Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin on all sides in a hot cast-iron or oven-proof skillet. The tenderloin is then finished in the oven for another 5 minutes or so.

As with all meat you’re roasting, searing, or grilling – allow it to rest before slicing.

That’s it. So simple and ready to be served in less than 30 minutes.

The Quick & Easy Results

This spice blend delivers a beautifully seasoned savory pork tenderloin, but not spicy hot. You can almost identify each of the spices yet they are so savory and balanced.

I like to serve Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin over a bed of arugula & herbs, a touch of lemon zest and our favorite Fresh Herb Vinaigrette.

This dish is a great no-fuss weeknight meal that could easily be served for Sunday dinner.

However, I love it best the next day. It’s great in sandwiches too. The pork remains juicy and the flavors are just as bold and wonderful, making it a great meal-prep lunch box option.

We’ve also used this same spice blend on chicken thighs and whole roast chicken.

Winner winner!

Are there recipes that remind you of a favorite vacation that you’d like to see us recreate? I’d love for you to comment below. Your feedback is so important to me (and keeps the recipe love fresh).

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

This spice blend delivers a beautifully seasoned savory pork tenderloin, but not spicy hot. I like to serve Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin over a bed of arugula & herbs, a touch of lemon zest and our favorite Fresh Herb Vinaigrette.

Course Main Course

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

For Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

• 1 1 lb. pork tenderloin
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

For Arugula & Herb Salad

• 6 cups baby arugula (about 16 ounces)
• 1 cup fresh herb leaves (such as parsley, basil, cilantro, dill)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
• 1 cup Fresh Herb Vinaigrette Recipe link in post

Instructions

For Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

• Preheat oven to 450° F. Combine the seasonings and rub liberally into pork tenderloin, coating all sides. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron or oven-proof skillet over high heat, sear pork tenderloin on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to oven and roast until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145° F, about 5 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing.

For Arugula & Herb Salad

• On a serving platter or large salad bowl, make a bed of fresh arugula and herbs, then sprinkle with lemon zest. Place thinly sliced pork tenderloin on top and spoon fresh herb vinaigrette over pork and greens.

The post Quick & Easy Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

I am completely serious when I say that I might love leftovers more than the original serving. 

I realize there are some exceptions, but for the most part I’m a leftovers kind of girl.

We recently enjoyed some fine Ribeye steaks (remind me to tell you later about the reverse-seared method Nick used to cook them). 

Any how, we found ourselves with enough leftover steak to turn into Beef Stroganoff.

We used these gorgeous Shiitakes that we found at the farmers market.

Here is the best recap of our recipe…however any dish, like Stroganoff, that has layers of ingredients and flavors is your chance to nuance with a little of this and a lot of that. 

Get happy.  Great leftover ingredients deliver wonderful dishes.

Recipe note: if you have access to fresh herbs feel free to substitute minced fresh thyme, sage and tarragon for a fresh flavor pop!

Are there recipes that remind you of a favorite vacation that you’d like to see us recreate? I’d love for you to comment below. Your feedback is so important to me (and keeps the recipe love fresh).

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Beef Stroganoff {And How I Love The Leftovers}

Course Entree

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

• 2 Tbl. butter
• 1 onion sliced
• 1 shallot sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 8 oz. fresh mushrooms sliced
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. dried sage
• 1/4 tsp. dried tarragon
• salt & pepper
• 1 cup leftover beef sliced into strips

For the sauce…

• 2 Tbl. butter
• 2 Tbl. flour
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbl. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 oz. red wine
• 1 cup beef stock
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 Tbl. sour cream
• fresh minced parsley for garnish

Instructions

• In a large dutch oven, saute onion and shallot in 1 Tbl. butter until just tender, add in garlic and saute an additional minute, remove and reserve.
• Then add mushrooms, thyme, sage, tarragon, salt & pepper to pan and saute until soft and mushrooms have released liquid, remove and reserve with onions.
• Sear the sliced beef in remaining butter, reserve.
• Build the sauce by making a roux with the butter and flour, then add in Dijon, Worcestershire, red wine, cayenne, and beef stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
• Return onions, mushrooms, and sliced beef to the pot and heat through.
• Serve over buttered noodles, with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

The post Beef Stroganoff {Oh How I Love The Leftovers} appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

I find extreme satisfaction from really bold flavors. Not only do they excite my taste buds but they wake up my senses. This punchy Jamaican Jerk Marinade will leave your tongue dissecting the layers of flavors. It’s spicy, slightly sweet, and over the top with aromatics.

The ingredient list is rather lengthy but each element contributes to this classic Jamaican flavor profile. I call this a marinade but it also makes a wonderful dressing.

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Jamaican Jerk Marinade

The ingredient list is rather lengthy but each element is necessary to build this classic Jamaican flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons olive or avocado oil
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar optional
• 1 Tablespoon orange zest or 1 Tbl orange marmalade
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 small sweet onion diced
• 1-2 jalapeno or serrano pepper seeds removed fine diced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
• 3 scallions sliced
• 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
• 1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 generous handful fresh cilantro leaves and stems

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or zipper top bag. Use as marinade or dressing. Can store in refrigerator for up to one week.

The post Jamaican Jerk Marinade appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

I hope the picture above does this dish justice. 

It was amazing. 

I’m not one to go crazy with personal horn tooting but this was a huge success. 

I have shared it with 13 people as of noontime today.  The responses were unanimous.  “Oh my.”  “Can I have one more bite.”  “Yum!”  “Is this recipe on Lemony Thyme?”

I’ve been making lasagna for nearly 30 years. 

In the early days my choice of ingredients weren’t necessarily classic (breakfast sausage links do not belong in lasagna) but the process hasn’t changed. 

So for my friend Sherry, who stands firm that any recipe with more than 5-ingredients, just isn’t happening in her kitchen….I’m going to break this down into Steps. 

You’ve got this girl.

Even as a veteran lasagna maker, I approach each one as a process….with clearly defined steps.  Here are my Farmers Market Roasted Veggie Lasagna Steps.

Step #1 ~ Gather all Ingredients

Gather all ingredients.  Don’t skip this step.  Cooking is so much easier when you have everything you need at hand.

Step #2 ~ Roast Veggies

Roast Veggies.  Slice and dice a good variety of veggies. 

We used zucchini, eggplant, summer squash, and broccoli.  That’s what the Farmers Market gave us.  Please use what’s fresh and local. 

You’ll want about 8 cups of veggies (cutting them thinly or bite-sized), tossed lightly with olive oil, shredded parmesan cheese, fresh herb sprigs, garlic & herb seasoning, salt & pepper. 

I prepped the veggies in two batches (a gallon Ziploc bag is a great way to toss), then spread them onto two shallow baking sheets and baked them for about 30 minutes, until tender.  Reserve. 

I also sautéed 2 cups of fresh spinach with some minced garlic, then pressed it dry between paper towels.  You could use thawed frozen spinach as well.

Note to Sherry:  Don’t stress over this step.  Can be done a day ahead.  Choose your veggies, your favorites.  The additional ingredients are conveniently limited to five.  You definitely have this!!

Step #3 ~ Cook Noodles

Cook your noodles.  While your veggies are roasting, bring a big pot of salted water to boil (big pot 2-3 gallon), add lasagna noodles and boil until al dente. 

You don’t want to over cook the noodles as they will finish cooking in the lasagna.  Drain and rinse cooked noodles under cold water.  

I know there are No-Boil noodles available, I’ve never used them and don’t judge those who do.

Can be made ahead.  Lay flat in single layer on parchment paper and reserve.

Step #4 ~ Make Sauce

Make your sauce.  While your noodles are cooking, start your sauce. 

When I’m making lasagna there are two things I don’t want to run out of.  Sauce and cheese. 

Make a big batch of sauce. 

If you have any leftover, you can freeze it or use it in almost any other comfort food dish. 

Because this is a Vegetable Lasagna, start off with a good amount of shredded carrots and onion (at least 3 cups worth). 

Sauté veggies in butter until tender, then dust with flour, stirring constantly.  Once fully incorporated and bubbly, slowly whisk in milk/cream, stirring constantly.  Sauce will thicken when it comes to a ‘gentle’ boil and as it cools. 

Remove from heat, add in parmesan cheese and whisk until melted.  Reserve.

Can be made ahead, just reheat slowly before assembling lasagna.

Step #5 ~ Prepare Cheeses

Prepare your cheeses.  In this case we used an herbed ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. 

The ricotta is beaten together with eggs, parmesan cheese, garlic & herb seasonings and dried basil. 

For the parm and mozzarella, I used two 8-ounce blocks and shredded them.  Each block yielded 3-4 cups of shredded cheese. 

Freshly shredded cheese vs. the prepackaged already shredded kind is much creamier and you get so much more for your $$.

Can be done ahead.  If you don’t have time to shred or shredding cheese is a deal breaker, buy the prepackaged kind.

Step #6 ~ Toast Your Breadcrumbs

Toasted breadcrumbs.  I love finishing this delicate lasagna with a layer of toasted panko breadcrumbs. 

It’s an easy step that adds a little something special to the dish.

Step #7 ~ Assembly

Assemble the layers.  All the heavy lifting has been done, now the fun begins.  I must admit I get a bit giddy over assembling all of these layers of goodness:

1. Sauce ~ Ladle just enough sauce to cover the bottom of your lasagna pan.

2. Noodles ~ Lay three noodles, side by side, on top of sauce.

3. Ricotta ~ Drop about 1/4th of ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over noodles.  Spread with fork.

4. Cheeses ~ Sprinkle about 1/4th of shredded cheeses over ricotta.

5. Veggies ~ Layer 1/3rd of roasted veggies over cheeses.

6. Sauce ~ Ladle about 2 cups of sauce over veggies.

7. Repeat ~ Continue at assembly step #2 above for three more layers.

8. Finish ~ Top final layer of noodles with remaining ricotta, sauce, grated cheeses and a generous sprinkling of toasted breadcrumbs.

Step #8 ~ Bake & Rest

Bake & Rest.  Resting your lasagna after you bake it is almost as important. 

Bake Farmers Market Roasted Veggie Lasagna at 350 degrees for one hour.  Allow to rest for 30 minutes before serving.

This Farmers Market Roasted Veggie Lasagna is layered with so much veggie love. This recipe makes a big batch.  Definitely enough to share with a dozen or so of your closest friends.  We call that {Share the Love} around here.

Are there recipes that remind you of a favorite vacation that you’d like to see us recreate? I’d love for you to comment below. Your feedback is so important to me (and keeps the recipe love fresh).

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Farmers Market Roasted Veggie Lasagna

This Farmers Market Roasted Veggie Lasagna is layered with so much veggie love. This recipe makes a big batch. 

Prep Time 1 hour hour

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Resting Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours

Servings 12

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

For the roasted veggies…

• 2 sm.-med. zucchini thinly sliced lengthwise
• 2 sm.-med. summer squash thinly sliced
• 1 eggplant partially peeled and sliced into 1/4-thick rounds
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 6-8 sprigs of fresh herbs lemony thyme, oregano, thyme
• 1 Tbl. garlic & herb seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. salt & pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 Tbl. olive oil
• 3 cloves minced garlic

For the noodles…

• 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 1 Tbl. salt

For the sauce…

• 4 carrots grated
• 1 large onion finely diced
• 6 Tbl. butter
• 6 Tbl. flour
• 8 cups milk/cream or half & half
• 2 cup parmesan cheese grated
• pinch red pepper flakes optional

For the cheeses…

• 1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp. garlic & herb seasoning
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 8 ounce block mozzarella cheese freshly shredded (3-4 cups)
• 8 ounces parmesan cheese freshly shredded (3-4 cups)

For the toasted breadcrumbs…

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• spray olive oil

Instructions

For the roasted veggies…

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut veggies thinly or bite-sized, toss lightly with about olive oil, parmesan cheese, fresh herb sprigs, garlic & herb seasoning, salt & pepper. Then spread onto two shallow baking sheets and bake for about 30 minutes, or until tender. Reserve. Can be done a day ahead.
• Sauté fresh spinach in olive oil with minced garlic, for 2-3 minutes. Cover and remove from heat until wilted. Press between paper towels to remove liquid. Reserve.

For the noodles…

• Bring a large pot of water to boil (2-3 gallons). Add salt, then add noodles one by one (do not break). Stir gently as they soften until all are completely covered with water. Return to a boil and cook 10-12 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook as they will finish cooking in the lasagna.

For the sauce…

• Sauté carrots and onion in butter for 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Then dust with flour, stirring constantly. Once fully incorporated and bubbly, slowly whisk in milk/cream, stirring constantly. Sauce will thicken when it comes to a ‘gentle’ boil. Remove from heat, add in 1 cup parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes; whisk until melted. Reserve.

For the cheeses…

• In a small bowl whisk together ricotta, eggs, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, garlic & herb seasoning and dried basil. Reserve.
• Shred mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Reserve.

For the toasted breadcrumbs…

• Spray shallow baking sheet with olive oil spray. Spread panko in thin layer, then spray lightly with olive oil spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until just beginning to turn golden brown. Remove and reserve.

For the assembly…

• Ladle just enough sauce to cover the bottom of your lasagna pan.
• Lay three noodles, side by side, on top of sauce.
• Drop about 1/4th of ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over noodles. Spread with fork.
• Sprinkle about 1/4th of shredded cheeses over ricotta.
• Layer 1/3rd of roasted veggies over cheeses.
• Ladle about 2 cups of sauce over veggies.
• Continue at step #2 above for three more layers.
• Top final layer of noodles with remaining ricotta, sauce, grated cheeses and a generous sprinkling of toasted breadcrumbs.

Bake & rest…

• Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Cover with foil part way through if crumbs begin to brown too much. Rest at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Allow lasagna to rest for 30 minutes before serving.

The post Farmers Market Roasted Veggie Lasagna {Share the Love} appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

We have a wonderful Used Book Store in town.  It’s in an old home, so imagine each section in it’s own little room, most complete with quiet reading areas.  On the day I discovered this Roasted Garlic Bread Soup recipe, Shelby and I went in opposite directions.  If I recall she was looking for books on the Dalai Lama and I was in cookbook heaven.

I was flipping through an old cookbook, one printed back before every recipe came with full sized color pictures.  There were a few pages with the corners turned down, which is why I stayed with it.  One of those pages had a recipe for Roasted Garlic Bread Soup.  I’m certain I did a double take.  Roasted garlic bread soup.  I read that right.

Here’s How to Oven Roast Garlic.

I recall the simple recipe called for heads of roasted garlic, a loaf of crusty bread, chicken broth, cream, shallot, thyme, salt & pepper.  Without a picture, I wasn’t exactly sure what the finished result would look like.

I chose to top our soup with sautéed mushrooms and shaved parmesan cheese.  The finished result was a garlic lovers dream.  I’ve categorized this recipe under Appetizers as well as Soups.  While we loved the richness, we thought it was a bit heavy to eat a large bowl full.  Much better in cup sized servings, where every silken bite is savored.

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Roasted Garlic Bread Soup

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of crusty bread we used Tuscan Roasted Garlic Bread, about 5-6 cups cubed
• 2 heads of garlic
• 2 Tbl. olive oil divided
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms sliced
• 2 Tbl. butter
• 1 shallot minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup cream
• salt & pepper to taste
• parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Roast heads of garlic (see How To link in post).
• Large cube bread and spread on baking sheet. Toast in oven for 10-15 minutes, until slightly crispy. Reserve 1 cup of toasted cubes for serving.
• While garlic roasts, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté mushrooms until browned nicely on both sides. Do not overcrowd pan. Work in batches if necessary. Reserve.
• In a soup pot, sauté shallot in 1 Tbl. olive oil until tender, add in thyme sprigs, chicken broth; bring to a simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Reduce to low; remove thyme, stir in cream, roasted garlic and toasted bread (less reserved one cup).
• Fold to combine, then puree lightly. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
• To serve, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese, sautéed mushrooms & reserved toasted bread cubes.

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Beef Bourguignon.  Boeuf Bourguignon.  Beef Burgundy.  I think we grew up with this dish.  No, not the first two.  My Mom made beef burgundy often.  The cuts of meat may have started out a bit tough requiring extra cooking love, but the end result was melt in your mouth wonderful. This year’s Christmas Eve Prime Rib was as good as any we’ve had in the past.

Prime Rib has become a Christmas Eve tradition.  Three consecutive years of repeat behavior qualifies as a ‘tradition’ in this house.  We always have more than we can eat.  That is the plan after all.  We LOVE our leftovers, and deciding how to repurpose them is a challenge we look forward to.  Yesterday we decided on Beef Bourguignon.

When it comes to tender meat, braising is where it’s at.  The process is relatively effortless, yet turns out the most tender and flavorful results.  Always reading and absorbing what the masters have worked so hard to perfect, I’ve become a bit of a geek and I mean that in the most affectionate way.  Cooking is an art and also a science.  That’s when we’re at our best in the kitchen.

My Mom was a newspaper editor.  Our kitchen table was her home office.  No matter where we lived, mom gave Sarah and I the bedrooms.  She claimed the kitchen.  We both have elementary school drawings of Mom.  Beautiful, with big hoop earrings, hair tied up in a knot, a glass of burgundy (Gallo Brand sold by the jug), and a Tareyton cigarette burning in the ashtray.  She was passionate.  About everything.  We were often whisked out of bed in the middle of the night to ‘catch’ a story.  And if there wasn’t a story that week, we became the story.  Mom had such a gift with words and fought for every story.  She would have been a masterful blogger with life experiences I’ll never achieve.

I described ‘mom’ at the kitchen table to and the response was “you may be the modern version.”  I’d love to be that.

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For our Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday I served Parmesan Herb Roasted Veggies.  It was my secret weapon to help keep me on my Healthy Choices plan.  I knew no matter what else tempted me I could find comfort in that dish.  Today as a fridge full of leftovers called to me…the first thing I did was make this soup.

We make Roasted Veggies year-round.  Whatever fresh vegetables catch my eye are sliced and diced, tossed with fresh herbs, olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt & pepper before heading to the oven to feel the caramelized love.

Recipe note:  Dice your veggies to size based on cooking time.  For instance, zucchini and summer squash are softer and will cook more quickly so something less than a 1/2-inch thick slice works well.  Onions, if cut too small will brown quickly, so give them a nice 1/2-inch wedge cut (see photo below).  Sweet potato on the other hand is more dense, taking it a bit longer to become tender; go with a smaller dice for those.  We don’t worry too much about Brussels sprouts.  If they come out of the oven with a crispy outer layer, remove it and have yourself a snack. Welcome Brussels Chips.

When the veggies are tender and just beginning to brown on the edges, remove from the oven, discard large herb stems then transfer into your favorite soup pot.  I added a can of diced tomatoes (preferably no-salt added) and a quart of vegetable broth.  Season to taste with dried herbs and spices like basil, oregano, a pinch of cayenne. Depending on the volume of soup you wish to achieve you can add more or less broth and/or tomatoes.

Roasting vegetables enhances their flavor (same can be said for soup bones).  This one step can take a ho-hum soup and make it oh-yum whoop whoop.  Haha.  Forgive me.  Don’t be afraid to season-up with dried herbs.  They give a wonderful flavor pop that can make an almost fat-free soup feel like a bowl of comfort food love.

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Parmesan & Herb Roasted Vegetable Soup

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 6

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

For roasted veggies…

• 2 small zucchini sliced
• 2 small yellow squash sliced
• 1 small white onion diced
• 1 small red onion diced
• 1 small sweet potato peeled and diced
• 1/2 – 1 lb. Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 8-10 fresh sage leaves
• 1/2 tsp. Mrs. Dash garlic & herb seasoning
• salt & pepper
• 1 Tbl. olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

For the soup…

• 1 can diced tomatoes preferably no-salt added
• 1 quart vegetable broth or favorite
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/4 tsp. ground oregano
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

For the roasted veggies…

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Slice and dice veggies. Larger pieces for soft veggies (like squash and zucchini), smaller pieces for dense veggies (like sweet potatoes). Toss with fresh herbs, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Spread in a single layer on baking sheets. Roast for 30 – 40 minutes until tender and edges just begin to brown.

For the soup…

• When the veggies are tender, remove from the oven, discard large herb stems then transfer into your favorite soup pot.
• Add diced tomatoes (preferably no-salt added) and broth, bring to a gentle simmer. Season to taste with dried herbs. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

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