Sunday, November 29, 2020

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

  •  prep time: 5 MINUTES
  •  
  •  cook time: 20 MINUTES
  •  total time: 25 MINUTES
  •  
  •  yield: 6 -8 SERVINGS 

DESCRIPTION

My favorite way to make classic roasted Brussels sprouts.  See notes above for ideas on how to customize yours with different seasonings or sauces if you would like.



INGREDIENTS

  • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved- smaller the sweeter, bigger cabbage taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Spread the Brussels sprouts out on a large baking sheet and drizzle with the oil.  Toss until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated, then spread them out in an even layer on the baking sheet.  Sprinkle evenly with a few generous pinches of salt and pepper, to taste.  Then go around and flip each of the Brussels so that they are cut-side-down.
  3. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are lightly charred and crisp on the outside and toasted on the bottoms.  (Be sure to keep an eye on your sprouts while baking, though, since different ovens and different sized sprouts may affect baking time.  Any loose leaves will also get charred and crispy.)
  4. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper, if necessary.
  5. Serve warm.

HOW TO CUT BRUSSELS SPROUTS:

While your oven is pre-heating, give all of those sprouts a good rinse, and then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.  Pluck off and discard any outer leaves that are looking a little browned or wilty.  Then trim off the tough ends and cut each sprout in half lengthwise, being sure to save any of the leaves that fall off (<– especially if you’re like me and love those crispy little charred pieces).  If you would like a visual, here’s a quick 1-minute video for How To Cut Brussels Sprouts (3 Ways!).


POSSIBLE VARIATIONS:

Want to add some extra seasoning to your roasted Brussels sprouts beyond the usual S&P?  Consider adding:

  • Dry seasoning mixes: Feel free to sprinkle on any other seasoning blends that you love, such as:
  • Fun salts and peppers: I really love sprinkling mine with smoked sea salt.  But any fun seasoned salts or peppers would be great here.
  • Citrus: Fresh citrus juice (i.e. lemon, lime, orange) and/or grated citrus peel is always a winner.
  • Vinaigrettes: This is a great use for leftover salad dressing, or you can whip up a quick homemade vinaigrette to toss with your sprouts either before or after roasting.  I’m also a big fan of drizzling on a thick glaze for balsamic Brussels sprouts.
  • Fresh Herbs: Any number of fresh herbs would be delicious mixed in, such as chopped rosemary, sage, cilantro, parsley, basil, thyme, or oregano.
  • Cheese: Grated Parmesan is always a winner with baked Brussels sprouts.  Or feel free to sprinkle on some crumbled soft cheeses, such as goat, feta, or blue cheese too.
  • Nuts: Pine nuts, chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pepitas would be delicious additions.
  • Bacon: If you eat meat, crumbled bacon bits taste heavenly with roasted Brussels.

Basically, there are countless ways that you can customize your sprouts.  So have fun experimenting, and happy roasting this Brussels sprouts season!

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