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.

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.

1. 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

2. Brussel sprouts should be 1 to 1-1/2 inches around.University of Illinois Extension: Brussel Sprouts

3. 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

1. Remove damaged outer leaves.University of Illinois Extension: Brussel Sprouts

2. 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

3. 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

• No matter your preferred cooking method, there are some steps to take prior to cooking brussel sprouts.

1. 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
2. Rinse off in fresh water.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
3. 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
4. To help the sprouts cook faster, cut an "X" about 1/16 of an inch into the stem.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts

• Tip: You can also cut sprouts into quarters or halves if desired.The World's Healthiest Foods: 5-Minute Healthy Steamed Brussel Sprouts Woman's Day: Roasted Brussel Sprouts

There are multiple ways to cook brussel sprouts. You can cook as many sprouts as you need for any of these methods.

• 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:

1. 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
2. Add Brussel sprouts to steamer.
3. Season with salt if desired.MarthaStewart.com: Steamed Brussel Sprouts
4. Steam for 5 - 8 minutes, tossing halfway through.The World's Healthiest Foods: 5-Minute Healthy Steamed Brussel Sprouts
   • -Sprouts are done when they are bright green and tender.MarthaStewart.com: Steamed Brussel Sprouts
5. Transfer to a bowl.The World's Healthiest Foods: 5-Minute Healthy Steamed Brussel Sprouts

• What You Need:
• Desired amount of Brussel sprouts
• Salt
• Water (1 cup for each cup of sprouts)
• Large pot
• Colander

• What to Do:

1. 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
2. Cook uncovered and allow the water to come to another boil.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
3. Cook for 7 to 15 minutes, or until the sprouts become tender.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts All Recipes: Brussel Sprouts with Mushrooms
4. Drain water and return sprouts to the warm pot.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts
5. Shake until dry.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts

• 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:

1. Heat oil and butter a large skillet over medium-high heat.Rachael Ray: Braised Brussel Sprouts
2. Add Brussel sprouts and saute for a few minutes.Boston Chef: Braised Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
3. Add chicken stock to just below the tops of the Brussel sprouts.Boston Chef: Braised Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
4. Simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes.Tony Tantillo.com: Brussel Sprouts Rachael Ray: Braised Brussel Sprouts

• 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:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Food Network: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
2. Toss with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.Woman's Day: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
3. Place sprouts cut sides down on a baking sheetEpicurious.com: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
4. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the outsides are crisp and insides are tender.Food Network: Roasted Brussel Sprouts

• Still wary of Brussel sprouts? Try any one of these variations to help see this vegetable in a new light.

1. 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
2. Add bacon, onion, and garlic for flavor.Planet Green: Emeril's Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
3. Add a little sweetness by cooking with maple candied pecansFood Network: Brussel Sprouts with Maple Candied Pecans
4. Use Brussel sprouts in your next stuffing dish.Epicurious.com: Bulgur Stuffing with Brussels Sprouts and Dried Mushrooms
5. Add some onion, black pepper, and mayo to create a sprouts sandwich.Recipezaar: Sprouts Sandwich
6. A little lemon and garlic can turn Brussel sprouts into a tangy dish.Recipezaar: Lemon Sprouts
7. Dry sprouts in the oven or a food dehumidifier to make a healthy snack.Recipezaar: Snack Sprouts