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Brussel sprouts are closely related to cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. They are a good source of essential vitamins, fiber, and folate. This tutorial will provide you with information on how to cook Brussel sprouts.
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Brussel Sprout Cooking Tips
- Choose Brussel sprouts that are firm, small and bright green.
- Peak season is fall through early spring.
- The flavor is best when cooked and eaten fresh.
- Store in a refrigerator for up to 10 days and in a freezer for up to 1 year.
- Remove yellowed outer leaves prior to cooking.
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Introduction
- Brussel Sprouts have gotten a bad reputation, but current varieties are different than what many adult Americans remember eating as children prior to the 1960's.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts Today, Brussel sprouts have a better taste, and some are almost sweet in flavor. They are also a good source of nutrients, including essential vitamins, fiber, and folate.Pfyffer Associates: Brussel Sprouts Info Read on to learn the many tasty ways to prepare Brussel sprouts, from boiling to roasting.
Purchasing and Storing Brussel Sprouts
- For best results, follow these tips when choosing and storing fresh Brussel Sprouts.
- YouTube Video: Learn to Cook Vegetables: Brussel Sprouts
Selecting Brussel Sprouts
- While they are available year round, Brussel sprouts are cool weather vegetables.University of Illinois Extension: Brussel Sprouts Their peak growing season is fall through early spring.The World's Healthiest Foods: Brussel Sprouts
- Brussel sprouts should be 1 to 1-1/2 inches around.University of Illinois Extension: Brussel Sprouts
- Brussel sprouts should be bright green, and firm.The World's Healthiest Foods: Brussel Sprouts Avoid sprouts with yellowing leaves.University of Illinois Extension: Brussel Sprouts
Storing Brussel Sprouts
- Remove damaged outer leaves.University of Illinois Extension: Brussel Sprouts
- When refrigerating, store unwashed sprouts in a plastic bag for no more than 10 days, though their flavor will be best if stored for no more than 1-2 days.University of Illinois Extension: Brussel Sprouts The World's Healthiest Foods: Brussel Sprouts
- If freezing, blanche Brussel sprouts by placing in a wire basket and boiling in water for 3-5 minutes. They will keep for up to 1 year in a freezer.The World's Healthiest Foods: Brussel Sprouts University of Minnosota Extension: Blanching Vegetables - Why and How
Preparing Brussel Sprouts
- No matter your preferred cooking method, there are some steps to take prior to cooking Brussel sprouts.
- Soak the sprouts in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes to get rid of any insects that might be in the leaves.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
- Rinse off in fresh water.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
- Cut the stems off the sprouts, ensuring that you do not get too close to the bottoms, which will cause the leaves to fall off.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts Food Network: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- To help the sprouts cook faster, cut an "X" about 1/16 of an inch into the stem.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
Steaming
- What You Need
- Desired amount of Brussel sprouts
- Water
- Vegetable steamer or a pot with a steamer insert
- Salt to season (if desired)
- What to Do
- Add 2 inches of water to the bottom of a vegetable steamer.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts The World's Healthiest Foods: 5-Minute Healthy Steamed Brussel Sprouts
- -If using a pot with a steamer insert, fill the pot with water to the bottom of the insert.MarthaStewart.com: Steamed Brussel Sprouts
- Add Brussel sprouts to steamer.
- Season with salt if desired.MarthaStewart.com: Steamed Brussel Sprouts
- Steam for 5 - 8 minutes, tossing halfway through.The World's Healthiest Foods: 5-Minute Healthy Steamed Brussel Sprouts
- Transfer to a bowl.The World's Healthiest Foods: 5-Minute Healthy Steamed Brussel Sprouts
Boiling
- What You Need
- Desired amount of Brussel sprouts
- Salt
- Water (1 cup for each cup of sprouts)
- Large pot
- Colander
- What to Do
- In a large pot, boil 1 cup of lightly salted water for each cup of Brussel sprouts.All Recipes: Brussel Sprouts with Mushrooms Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
- Cook uncovered and allow the water to come to another boil.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
- Cook for 7 to 15 minutes, or until the sprouts become tender.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts All Recipes: Brussel Sprouts with Mushrooms
- Drain water and return sprouts to the warm pot.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
- Shake until dry.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
Braising
- What You Need
- Desired amount of Brussel sprouts
- Olive oil and/or butter to coat the skillet
- Chicken stock (2 cups is enough for 1 pound of Brussel sprouts)Boston Chef: Braised Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
- Large skillet
- What to Do
- Heat oil and butter a large skillet over medium-high heat.Rachael Ray: Braised Brussel Sprouts
- Add Brussel sprouts and saute for a few minutes.Boston Chef: Braised Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
- Add chicken stock to just below the tops of the Brussel sprouts.Boston Chef: Braised Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
- Simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts Rachael Ray: Braised Brussel Sprouts
Roasting
- What You Need
- Desired amount of Brussel sprouts
- Olive oil or canola oil, for drizzling
- Garlic, salt and pepper (optional; season to taste)
- Baking sheet
- What to Do
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Food Network: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Toss with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.Woman's Day: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Place sprouts cut sides down on a baking sheetEpicurious.com: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the outsides are crisp and insides are tender.Food Network: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Variations
- Still wary of Brussel sprouts? Try any one of these variations to help see this vegetable in a new light.
- Add balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts to roasted sprouts for a yummy holiday dish.Kalyn's Kitchen: Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Balsamic, Parmesan, and Pine Nuts
- Add bacon, onion, and garlic for flavor.Planet Green: Emeril's Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
- Add a little sweetness by cooking with maple candied pecansFood Network: Brussel Sprouts with Maple Candied Pecans
- Use Brussel sprouts in your next stuffing dish.Epicurious.com: Bulgur Stuffing with Brussels Sprouts and Dried Mushrooms
- Add some onion, black pepper, and mayo to create a sprouts sandwich.Recipezaar: Sprouts Sandwich
- A little lemon and garlic can turn Brussel sprouts into a tangy dish.Recipezaar: Lemon Sprouts
- Dry sprouts in the oven or a food dehumidifier to make a healthy snack.Recipezaar: Snack Sprouts
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