Thyme is best when fresh but you can buy it freeze-dried ... for poultry or lamb or use it chopped in a marinade for olives. Add sprigs to marinades for meat, fish or vegetables or tuck a few ...
Pour in the reserved broth and bring everything to a simmer. Meanwhile, strain beans, discarding cooking liquid, garlic and thyme. Add beans and pasta to broth and simmer until flavors meld ...
Crush the garlic and fresh thyme in a pestle and mortar and add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the onions, followed by the garlic and thyme, and then fry ...