Whether you’re a sprout skeptic or a big Brussels fan, there’s plenty of reasons to eat more Brussels sprouts. They’re rich in vitamins (especially vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health), minerals, and a great source of fibre and anti-inflammatory nutrients*, and are closely related to kale, cauliflower, and mustard greens.
Here are five creative and delicious ways with Brussels sprouts you may not have thought of.
1.Wrapped in bacon
They say everything is better with bacon, and Brussels sprouts are no exception. The combination of smoky, savoury bacon with crispy green sprouts is a taste sensation sure to impress. To prepare these delicious appetisers, wash and trim your sprouts before wrapping them in strips of bacon and roasting in the oven, with an optional drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
2.Roasted with cranberries
Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with the tart, sweet flavour of cranberries, making for a delicious side dish or entrée. Roast some trimmed and halved sprouts in balsamic glaze and a little olive oil before tossing with cranberries and caramelised onions. Watch as they disappear from the dinner table within minutes!
3.Skewered and barbecued
Vegetable skewers are a fun, easy way to get even the fussiest eater excited about greens. Simply prepare your Brussels sprouts by trimming and marinating them in a flavour of your choice, then thread them onto stainless steel skewers. If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak in water prior to use to prevent burning. Grill for about four minutes per side or until tender. Sprinkle over some sea salt and freshly cracked pepper and enjoy.
4.Added to your favourite pasta dish
Adding sprouts to a pasta dish is an easy and delicious way to enjoy more of these nutritional and flavour powerhouses. Simply steam your Brussels sprouts and throw into the pot with your cooked pasta and sauce, tossing to coat. If you’re trying to feed this to fussy eaters (big or small), chop them into smaller pieces or shred them. Sprouts pair amazingly well with = Parmesan cheese, so sprinkle some on top for an extra yum factor.
5.Crispy, sweet, and candied
Even the most vegetable-avoidant guests won’t be able to stop at just one of these. Crispy, salty, sweet, and smoky, these are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trim away the outer edges of the sprout, and steam or microwave them for a few minutes before coating with maple syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Then roast them in the oven in an even layer, ensuring enough space between each sprout, for 8-12 minutes in a hot oven, watching them closely to prevent burning. These make a delicious appetiser or side dish to so many mains.
Brussels sprouts are in season right now, so make sure you pick some up on your next Market visit and give some of these tasty ideas a go.
*Nutritional information sourced from Healthline
