How to cook Brussels sprouts (or sprouts): simple and delicious recipes to try
THE Brussels sprouts they are the edible shoots of the plant Brassica oleraceaevariety belonging to the family of Cruciferous, the same as Chinese cabbage and broccoli. Also known as sprouts, cabbages or cauliflowers Brussels cabbages are basically miniature cabbages: rich in nutrients such as mineral salts, vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants, they are grown mainly in Northern European regions thanks to their incredible resistance to low temperatures and are easy to find on sale between October and Marchin some cases until April.
Despite their pungent odor, they are particularly appreciated for their strong flavourfrom the aftertaste as soon as bitterishand the crispier texture compared to other varieties: they can be used in many different recipes, especially for appetizers and side dishes, but also for first and second courses. To cook them correctly, it is important to clean them under running water and remove the outer leaves and hard, before proceeding with the recipe steps.
Below you will find some tasty ideas to learn to become familiar with the Brussels sprouts, very simple but at the same time really inviting recipes: here how to best cook Brussels sprouts.
1. Pan-fried Brussels sprouts
Let’s start with a truly delicious side dish, which matches the flavor of Brussels sprouts with that of South Tyrolean speck. Cooking this type of cabbage in a pan is really easy and quick: once cleaned, the Brussels sprouts are added to the pan with a sauté of extra virgin olive oil, red onion and speck. Blend everything with the white wine, cover with the lid and then cook over medium heat for about 25 minutes, until they are slightly tender. If you prefer, you can replace the white wine with vegetable broth or with a cup of balsamic vinegar; if you want to try instead the dish in a vegetarian version, just replace the speck with some dried tomatoes or enrich them with black olives And toasted pine nuts.
2. Baked Brussels sprouts
If you love the texture of Brussels sprouts, you will really like this recipe: crispy baked sprouts, in fact, are a really tasty side dish. Preparing them is very simple, just blanch them and season them with oil, salt and pepper, then place them on a baking tray covered with baking paper and sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese. Finally cook them in the oven at 200°C: in 15 minutes you will have a perfect side dish for meat or fish main courses.
3. Steamed Brussels sprouts
A very healthy method for preserve nutritional properties And consistency is to steam Brussels sprouts. Clean the sprouts and remove the tough outer leaves cook them in the steamer for about 10 minutes: once cooked, we seasoned them with a Vinaigrette based on extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, a few drops of lemon and a pinch of salt, but you can vary the seasoning as you prefer.
4. Battered Brussels sprouts
If you are looking for a appetizers really delicious based on cabbage here is the recipe for brussels sprouts in batter, also perfect for a aperitif or a brunch. There batter it is simply made with sparkling water, flour and saltwhile the sprouts come first blanched lightly, then dipped in the batter and finally fried in plenty of hot seed oil. Once ready, drain them on absorbent paper, add a pinch of salt on top and serve them piping hot.
5. Cabbage rolls with bacon
Other delicious recipe ideal for all those occasions in which we invite friends and family who are a little reluctant towards this product: cabbage rolls with bacon. Extremely tasty, they can be prepared in a very short time: just clean the sprouts, season them with salt and pepper and wrap them in slices of bacon. The rolls will then be brushed with Maple syrup and sprinkled with Brown sugar, to create a sweet-savory contrast, before cooking them in the oven. Perfect like second, but also how appetizers or scope of a aperitif, if presented with toothpicks with which to pick them up without getting dirty.
6. Brussels sprouts with walnuts
A tasty and simple side dish to make short while: sprouts with walnuts. To make this recipe you will need few ingredients: Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, walnuts, parmesan, oil and salt. A delicious preparation to make in just 20 minuteswhich can also be cooked in advance and serve at room temperature.
