Perhaps you ate them reluctantly as a child, but now you’re a foodie and need as many Brussels sprouts recipes as possible. By now you also know that the old technique of boiling them to death is not the way to go. Roasting Brussels sprouts in turn brings out their sweet, almost nutty flavor and keeps them crisp. These cabbage cousins that are popular in Belgium are at the peak of their season from September to February and they happen to have tons of fiber, protein, and loads of other great cruciferous benefits.
According to registered dietitian and nutritionist, Megan Ware, RDN, LD of Medical News Today, “Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like Brussels sprouts decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.” She points out that Brussels sprouts are surprisingly high in protein for a green vegetable, and just one serving would meet your needs for vitamin C and vitamin K for the day. At the height of winter, these 10 tempting recipes and ideas for cooking with Brussels sprouts—will change your mind about Brussels sprout this winter.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Let’s start with the basics before we get Brussels-sprouts-complicated. This extremely simple, warm, and healthy dish of pan roasted sprouts is the perfect accompaniment with meats or seafood dishes. Just trim the sprouts, shake them up in a re-sealable plastic bag with olive oil, kosher salt and pepper, and stick them in the oven.
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2. Pancetta, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Petite Brussels Sprout Pasta
For this incredibly tasty and hearty winter dish, served over delicate angel hair pasta, the key is finding baby sized Brussels sprouts. Ready in just under half an hour, simply roast the sprouts and pancetta with shallots, garlic, and oil, serve over pasta and add plenty of Parmesan cheese.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pecans
This easy to make dish of garlic, oil, salt and pepper, simply calls for adding chopped pecans, which add a fun and nutty crunch to the tender Brussels sprouts. Goes perfect with a seafood dish and side of rice. This is one of the most delicious Brussels sprouts recipes out there.
4. Roasted Sprout Gratin with Bacon-Cheese Sauce
You really can’t go wrong cooking with Brussels sprouts when bacon and cheese are involved. If there is there a Brussels sprouts hater in your house to please, have no worries, just add cheese! Tempt them with this decadent creamy bake with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon. All you’ll need is some bacon, bread crumbs, and some generous amounts of sinful butter.
5. Israeli Couscous with Brussels Sprouts
For couscous lovers, this elegant dish’s delicate lemony flavors will go perfectly as a side dish with Salmon steaks or chicken dishes, and is ready in less than fifteen minutes. Add plenty of top shelf olive oil and sea salt to enhance its flavor.
6. Brussels Sprouts with Shallots and Salt Pork
It takes some finger licking good salt pork drippings mixed with a little pickle juice, and cooked with shallots, to create this gem, one of the most flavorful Brussels sprouts dishes ever. Serve over rice pilaf or pasta for an even more filling winter meal.
7. Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts
This gorgeous looking oven roasted dish is bound for the “winter staple” category. The sprouts are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the carrots are sweet and tender. Opt for red potatoes to add color and the pine lemony flavor of dried rosemary.
8. Brussels Sprouts Gratin
Want an easy way to make your kids adore these little round cabbages? Boil them first, then stick them into a casserole with heavy cream and white cheddar cheese and watch it brown in the oven. It’s like a macaroni and cheese dish, but healthier.
9. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo
For the meat lovers in the family, adding chorizo to your sprouts dish will turn up the happy heat at the dining room table. Cook the sausage in a sauté pan, add onion, garlic and the Brussels sprouts. Then add chicken stock, butter, and season with salt and pepper. Then serve the dish in a large and pretty ceramic bowl.
10. Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Honey
If you find the taste of Brussels sprouts a little bland, this beautifully caramelized sweet dish will make your guests wonder why they have ignored these veggies for so long. This recipe tosses these little cabbages in a balsamic vinegar and honey mixture after roasting, adding an incredible dimension.
Photo 2, 7, 8 &10 courtesy of Food Network.com.
