Have you ever asked a five-year-old what their favorite vegetable is?
You might hear answers like carrot sticks or iceberg lettuce. You may even hear tomato sauce or french fries be considered vegetables.
But it’s probably rare that you’ll find the first answer to be “Brussels sprouts.”
What’s Up with Brussels Sprouts?
Aside from the picky eaters who are peculiar about the color of their plates, eaters in general tend to do a double take when a dish includes these bright veggies. Yet these tiny cabbages of flavor can transform a meal and be a family-favorite you never had expected.
We might agree in the unpleasant association with pre-cooked, mushy sprouts you might find in the canned food aisle. But the way we see these delightful sprouts takes on a new appearance when picked up right from your local farmers’ market. That difference between freshly picked and aged in a can may just make you reconsider your thoughts on these classic sprouts. There’s much more you can do than just boil them in some salted water.
Brussels sprouts are similar to other winter vegetables like cabbage, kohlrabi, cauliflower and broccoli. When boiled or steamed, they hold onto their characteristic nutty flavor - which may be a cause of their less-than-popular reputation. But, when they’re cooked in a dry heat, like roasting or sautéing, their core hearts take on a sweet note that may just surprise you. You can also eat them raw, mixed in with other sweeter ingredients to balance the bitterness.
Sprouts With a Health Benefit
In addition to its rich green color that brings light and complexity to your dishes, Brussels sprouts also come with a range of health benefits that keep you going. According to Rachael Link from Healthline, Brussels sprouts bring a bountiful of vitamins and nutrients essential in your diet. They’re low in calorie and have a high percentage of your daily value of Vitamins K and C. That’s important for your bone health and immune system. Its fiber helps in your digestive health, too. The antioxidants you’ll find in Brussels sprouts help prevent chronic disease and maintaining overall health both today and in the future.
With its rich nutritional value, Brussels sprouts may also help you keep your blood sugar under control. The high fiber content slows the sugar that’s absorbed into your blood and can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Brussels sprouts also have omega-3 fatty acids, a plant-based option that have tremendous benefits for your health.
With their nutrient-rich components and lifelong benefits, Brussels sprouts can be an important addition to your diet.
Bring Back Brussels Sprouts With These Recipes
In a previous blog post, we shared some great ideas and cooking methods to transform your tiny cabbages into culinary masterpieces. Now, we’re back with more recipes, flavor combinations and ideas to spark a new season of Brussels sprouts.
Hash it Out
Brussels sprouts can be a great addition to a fresh fall hash. In this recipe, you’ll combine seasonal veggies like carrots and sprouts, along with a bright pop of apple with a granny smith and Michigan Apple balsamic. All the other flavors mixed in with the sprouts bring a rich and savory bite of fall you’ll be craving all season long.
Roasted with Sausage
Created a pan of roasted veggies - like Brussels sprouts - is one of the easiest and fastest way to whip up a quick dinner for two or feed a family. This recipe combines ingredients like potatoes and sausage to add depth to the roasted sprouts. The real magic comes in with the honey mustard that’s drizzled on the sausage and veggies partway through cooking. With wholegrain mustard, Michigan Honey and a bright addition of Fustini’s 12 year white vinegar, this simple dressing carries your ingredients into fall and beyond.
Cheesy Dips
Perhaps you’ve heard of a spinach-artichoke dip, full of cheese, cream and just a little bit of veggies thrown in. Take your dip up a notch with replacing your artichokes with roasted Brussels sprouts. Add in your cream and cheese to create the family-favorite warm dip, now with a new fall feature. You can use recipes like this one to create your own take on this classic dip with Brussels sprouts.
Mix Them With Meats
Due to their cute little size, Brussels sprouts work great as a simple topping for grilled steaks or white meats. This Roasted Vegetable and Mushroom Steak recipe uses Brussels sprouts to add complexity to a simple steak dish. By using mushrooms and a Garlic rub, these mini cabbages transform each bite into a savory and flavorful dinner.
New Take on Tacos
Brussels sprouts in tacos? Yes. Revamp your “Taco Tuesday” with this vegetarian take using Brussels sprouts as the main feature. Sauté them up with your favorite EVOO and balsamic combination for a flavorful filling. Slice up an avocado to add to the tortilla, too, for a variety of textures in your taco.
Brussels Sprouts - Your Way
With such great health benefits and ways to cook them, Brussels sprouts are a seasonal veggie to celebrate. Try out these new recipes, and discover some on your own, as you shop your local farmers’ market and eat seasonally.
What’s your favorite way to prepare Brussels sprouts? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media accounts!