All the Brussels sprouts recipes you need

Brussels sprouts, you either love them or hate them. These little green balls are often overlooked in the supermarket and aren't the first choice when it comes to vegetables. But did you know that Brussels sprouts are actually incredibly healthy? Plus, there are tons of delicious recipes that incorporate them. In this article, we'll tell you all about Brussels sprouts: from how to choose and store them to the best way to cook them and create the most delicious dishes with them. So, let's get started!

What are sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are small, round vegetables that resemble mini cabbages. They're a kind of miniature version of larger cabbages, like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Brussels sprouts grow on a long stalk and are harvested when they're about the size of a golf ball. They have a slightly sweet flavor and can be boiled, steamed, sautéed, or roasted. Did you know that these mini cabbages grow right here in the Netherlands?

Why Brussels sprouts are so healthy

Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and B6, folate, iron, and fiber. They also contain many antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of certain diseases, including cancer. Brussels sprouts are also good for your immune system, digestion, and cardiovascular health. A real boost for your health!

Why Brussels Sprouts Aren't So Popular

Despite all their health benefits, Brussels sprouts aren't very popular. This is likely because many people have bad memories of Brussels sprouts from their childhood, when they were cooked for a long time and often overcooked. Many people also find Brussels sprouts too bitter. Fortunately, there are ways to make Brussels sprouts tasty and reduce their bitterness. The goal of this article is to show you how delicious and healthy Brussels sprouts are, so you'll hopefully eat them more often. We'll discuss how to choose, store, and clean Brussels sprouts, and give you tips on making them (even) more delicious. We'll also share some delicious Brussels sprouts recipes that can be served as both a side dish and a main course.

How do you choose good Brussels sprouts?

When buying Brussels sprouts, look for firm, tight sprouts with bright green leaves. Avoid sprouts that are yellow or brown, too soft or wilted, or damaged. Choose sprouts that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

How do you store Brussels sprouts?

You can store Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator for several days to a week. Store them in a paper or plastic bag with some air holes. This ensures the sprouts retain moisture. When you're ready to use the sprouts, simply clean them by cutting off the hard ends. If the outer few leaves don't look good, you can remove them. Then rinse them under running water, and your Brussels sprouts are clean!

Brussels sprouts recipes

Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and honey

If you're looking for a surprising way to prepare Brussels sprouts, this recipe is definitely recommended. Roasting the sprouts with balsamic vinegar and honey gives them a wonderfully sweet flavor that complements their slightly bitter taste.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation method

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Clean the Brussels sprouts and halve them.
• In a bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl and mix well.
• Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, making sure they are not on top of each other.
• Roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Brussels sprouts with garlic and Parmesan cheese

This is a quick and easy Brussels sprouts recipe with an Italian twist. The combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese is always delicious and gives the Brussels sprouts that extra bit of flavor.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of Brussels sprouts
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation method

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Clean the Brussels sprouts and halve them.
• In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl and mix well.
• Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, making sure they are not on top of each other.
• Roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and return to the oven until the cheese is melted.

Brussels sprouts mash with bacon

Ingredients

• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and diced
• 500 grams Brussels sprouts, cleaned and halved
• 200 grams of smoked bacon strips
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 50 ml milk
• 50 grams of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation method

• Boil the potatoes and Brussels sprouts together in a large pot of salted water for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender.
• Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then add the onion. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and Brussels sprouts and add the milk and butter. Mash everything until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir the bacon and onion mixture into the mashed potatoes and serve immediately.

Stir-fry Brussels sprouts with cashew nuts

Ingredients

• 500 grams Brussels sprouts, cleaned and halved
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 50 grams of cashew nuts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation method

• Heat the olive oil in a wok over high heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the Brussels sprouts and bell pepper and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender but still slightly crunchy.
• Add the cashews and stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Combine the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Add this to the wok and stir well.
• Serve the dish immediately as a side dish or with rice as a main course.

Brussels sprouts gratin

Ingredients

• 1 kg Brussels sprouts, cleaned and halved
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 500 ml milk
• 100 grams of grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread-crumbs

Preparation method

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Boil the Brussels sprouts in a large pot of salted water for 5 to 7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a pan over low heat and add the flour. Stir until smooth, then cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, then simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the grated cheese to the sauce and stir until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the Brussels sprouts in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them. Mix well.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the Brussels sprouts and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Whether you're a Brussels sprouts fan or not, these recipes will definitely convince you to give these little greens a try. From a deliciously creamy Brussels sprouts gratin to crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic vinegar, these recipes will tantalize your taste buds and show you just how versatile Brussels sprouts can be. So what are you waiting for? Get those Brussels sprouts and get cooking!