There’s a veggie that’s green, (but a lot of them are green). It’s round and comes in layers. It’s small in size making it easy to work with. This veggie is most popular during the fall and winter seasons. It’s often received a bad reputation for picky eaters to ignore.
Any guesses of this wonderful and vibrant veggie?
That’s right, it’s Brussels sprouts.
While it’s common to find this nutrient-packed ingredient on the menu of upscale restaurants or on the tables of experienced chefs, these sprouts are very easy to prepare and add delicious flavor to your meal.
And of course, when you incorporate your favorite oils and vinegars from Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars, the flavor potentials are abundant.
No matter your preferred method of preparing veggies, you can quickly and simply turn this baby cabbage into a delight for your taste buds. If you’ve had a bad experience with Brussels sprouts in the past - whether that be in microwaving or boiling them - it’s time you give these savory fall veggies another chance.
To help you get started, here we share five easy and clever ways you can celebrate this fall season with Brussels sprouts.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting your Brussels sprouts is perhaps the quickest and easiest way. There’s so much versatility in what flavors you choose and seasonings you add on to make a truly delicious dish.
This recipe, for example, uses the fresh flavor of garlic from Fustini’s Garlic EVOO. By halving or quartering your Brussels sprouts, tossing on some EVOO and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, you can have an instant side dish that is colorful and flavorful.
2. Brussels Sprout Hash
Creating a hash is another great way to incorporate a range of ingredients and flavors that you love. This recipe for a Brussels sprout and carrot hash is elevated in flavor with the sweet bite of apple with green apple slices and Fustini’s Michigan Apple balsamic.
After halving or quartering your sprouts, mix them with your sliced carrots and sautée them, adding in shallot and vegetable stock, and finishing it off with Michigan Apple Balsamic for another sweet and savory component to your dish.
3. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Like roasting your sprouts, bringing out your sauté pan and using your favorite Fustini’s EVOO is a very quick and easy way to prepare your next side dish. Sautéing uses higher heat compared to roasting, allowing your sprouts to get a nice crispy exterior while keeping the sliced centers soft. Whether you choose a single varietal oil or an infused EVOO, you can add extra flavor to turn a new veggie into a family favorite.
4. Brussels Sprouts Slaw
While when you first think of whipping up a slaw, the ingredient of cabbage might come to mind first. But did you know you can also make a slaw out of Brussels sprouts, too? When you mix shredded Brussels sprouts with other veggies like kale or carrot, you can add another component to your slaw.
The ingredients you throw together to make your slaw are all up to your preference so you can be sure to make a dish you know you and your family will love. For example, you can take a typical slaw recipe, like this Asian Slaw recipe, and add in some shredded Brussels sprouts into the mix. With the similar properties of cabbage, you might not even tell the difference.
Make your slaw your own by mixing in your favorite EVOO and balsamics as a dressing to your dish based on what you already have in your pantry. Try new flavors and discover something delicious.
5. Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad
Another way you can incorporate shredded Brussels sprouts into your dishes is through a warm salad. This side is a perfect addition to your fall dinner and is beyond easy to whip up. After shredding your Brussels sprouts in a food processor, add the sprouts to a warm saucepan with a drizzle of your favorite EVOO. Let the sprouts wilt for about three minutes. Toss with a light balsamic, such as Sicilian Lemon, to add some brightness and another flavor component. Just like that, you have an instant, healthy side that’s sure to delight.
Make Your Sprouts Your Way
There are a lot of ways to prepare this baby cabbage of Brussels sprouts. No longer are you restricted to just sticking them in the microwave or throwing them in some boiling water. Whether roasting, sautéing or slicing them, Brussels sprouts are a versatile ingredient that’s perfect for celebrating the fall season.
How do you prepare your Brussels sprouts? Let us know on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram!