How To Roast Brussels Sprouts
Instructions
Selecting Brussel Sprouts
While they are available year round, brussel sprouts are cool weather vegetables.3 Their peak growing season is fall through early spring.4
Brussel sprouts should be 1 to 1-1/2 inches around.3
Brussel sprouts should be bright green, and firm.4 Avoid sprouts with yellowing leaves.3
Storing Brussel Sprouts
Remove damaged outer leaves.3
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.3 4
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.4 5
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.1
Rinse off in fresh water.1
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.1 6
To help the sprouts cook faster, cut an "X" about 1/16 of an inch into the stem.1
Tip: You can also cut sprouts into quarters or halves if desired.7 8
Methods of Cooking Brussel Sprouts
There are multiple ways to cook brussel sprouts. You can cook as many sprouts as you need for any of these methods.
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.1 7
-If using a pot with a steamer insert, fill the pot with water to the bottom of the insert.9
Add Brussel sprouts to steamer.
Season with salt if desired.9
Steam for 5 - 8 minutes, tossing halfway through.7
-Sprouts are done when they are bright green and tender.9
Transfer to a bowl.7
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.10 1
Cook uncovered and allow the water to come to another boil.1
Cook for 7 to 15 minutes, or until the sprouts become tender.1 10
Drain water and return sprouts to the warm pot.1
Shake until dry.1
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)11
Large skillet
What to Do:
Heat oil and butter a large skillet over medium-high heat.12
Add Brussel sprouts and saute for a few minutes.11
Add chicken stock to just below the tops of the Brussel sprouts.11
Simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes.1 12
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.6
Toss with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.8
Place sprouts cut sides down on a baking sheet13
Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the outsides are crisp and insides are tender.6
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.14
Add bacon, onion, and garlic for flavor.15
Add a little sweetness by cooking with maple candied pecans16
Use Brussel sprouts in your next stuffing dish.17
Add some onion, black pepper, and mayo to create a sprouts sandwich.18
A little lemon and garlic can turn Brussel sprouts into a tangy dish.19
Dry sprouts in the oven or a food dehumidifier to make a healthy snack.20
