All the Brussels sprouts recipes you need

Sprouts, you either love them or you don't. These small, green balls are often overlooked in the supermarket and are not the first choice when it comes to vegetables. But did you know that sprouts are actually super healthy? There are also many delicious recipes in which you can use sprouts. In this article we will tell you everything about sprouts: from how to choose and store them to how to best cook them and make the tastiest dishes with them. So, let's get started!

What are sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are small, round vegetables and resemble mini cabbages. They are a kind of mini version of the larger cabbage varieties, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Sprouts grow on a long stem and are harvested when they are about the size of a golf ball. They have a slightly sweet taste and can be boiled, steamed, fried or roasted. Did you know that these mini cabbages grow in the Netherlands?

Why sprouts are so healthy

Sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C, K and B6, folic acid, iron and fiber. Additionally, they are high in antioxidants that help fight inflammation and lower the risk of certain diseases, including cancer. Sprouts are also good for your immune system, your digestion and your cardiovascular system. A real boost for your health!

Why Brussels Sprouts Are Not So Popular

Despite all the health benefits, sprouts are not very popular. This is probably because many people have bad memories of sprouts from their youth, when they were cooked for a long time and were often overcooked. Many people also find sprouts too bitter in taste. Fortunately, there are ways to make sprouts tasty and reduce their bitterness. The purpose of this article is to show you how tasty and healthy sprouts are, so that you will hopefully eat them more often. We discuss, among other things, how to choose, store and clean sprouts and give you tips to make sprouts (even) tastier. We also share some delicious recipes for Brussels sprouts, which you can serve as a side dish or as a main course.

How do you choose good sprouts?

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

How do you store sprouts?

You can store sprouts in the refrigerator for several days to a week. Store them in a paper or plastic bag with some air holes in it. This ensures that the sprouts retain moisture. When you are going to use the Brussels sprouts, you can easily clean them by cutting the hard end of the sprout. If the outer few leaves don't look nice, you can remove them. Then rinse under the tap and the Brussels sprouts are clean!

Sprouts recipes

Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and honey

If you are looking for a surprising way to prepare Brussels sprouts, this recipe is definitely recommended. Roasting the Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and honey gives them a deliciously sweet taste that goes well with the slightly bitter taste of the Brussels sprouts.

Ingredients:

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

Preparation method:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Clean the Brussels sprouts and halve them.
• Mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
• Add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl and mix well.
• Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking tray lined with baking paper and make 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 simple and quick recipe for Brussels sprouts with an Italian twist. The combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese is always delicious and gives the Brussels sprouts that little bit of extra flavor.

Ingredients:

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

Preparation method:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Clean the Brussels sprouts and halve them.
• Mix the olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
• Add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl and mix well.
• Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking tray lined with baking paper and make 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 the Brussels sprouts with the grated Parmesan cheese and put them back in the oven until the cheese has melted.

Brussels sprout stew with bacon

Ingredients:

• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 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

Instructions:

• Boil the potatoes and Brussels sprouts together in a large pot of salted water for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender.
• Fry the bacon strips in a frying pan until crispy and add the onion. Fry this together for another 2 to 3 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and Brussels sprouts and add the milk and butter. Mash everything into a smooth puree. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir the bacon and onion mixture into the stew and serve immediately.

Stir-fry of Brussels sprouts with cashew nuts

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

• 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 peppers and stir-fry the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are soft but still slightly crunchy.
• Add the cashew nuts and stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Mix the soy sauce, honey and sesame oil in a small bowl. Add this to the wok and mix everything 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 of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 500 ml milk
• 100 grams of grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread-crumbs

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Cook the Brussels sprouts in a large pot of salted water for 5 to 7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain the Brussels sprouts and set them aside.
• Melt the butter in a pan over low heat and add the flour. Stir this together into a smooth paste and then fry 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 it together until it is completely melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the Brussels sprouts in an oven dish and pour the cheese sauce over them. Mix it together 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 are sure to convince you to give these little green cabbages a try. From deliciously creamy Brussels sprouts gratin to crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic vinegar, these recipes will tingle your taste buds and show you how versatile Brussels sprouts can be. So what are you waiting for? Get those Brussels sprouts and get started!