Breaking
FoodNerdy Recipes Management System
Tag

Brussels Sprouts

Browsing
Cooking Tips

Cooking and Preparing Brussels Sprouts: The Best Tips

Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious winter vegetable. We will show you the best way to cook Brussels sprouts and what vitamins they contain.

We recommend that you buy vegetables such as Brussels sprouts that are seasonal and organic.

Before you start cooking Brussels sprouts, you should remove any dirt from them.

Cooking and roasting Brussels sprouts: basic recipe

If you want to cook the Brussels sprouts, put them in a saucepan of boiling salted water. The winter vegetables are cooked quickly and only need about 12 to 16 minutes.
The little florets don’t take long to fry, either. Depending on whether you left it whole, halved, or quartered, it will take 5 to 7 minutes with the lid on to cook.

Store Brussels sprouts properly

Brussels sprouts are a true winter vegetable, ideally harvested after the first frost. It is best to buy it freshly harvested from regional cultivation so that transport and storage times are as short as possible. Brussels sprouts don’t keep for long.

You should also consider this if you want to store purchased Brussels sprouts. It will keep in the fridge for about four days. You shouldn’t keep it next to apples or tomatoes, though. These secrete a substance that accelerates ripening.

That’s why Brussels sprouts are so healthy

Brussels sprouts are healthy because the small winter vegetable is a real vitamin and nutrient bomb:

It is high in fiber and contains more plant-based protein than many other types of cabbage.
Brussels sprouts contain more vitamin C than almost any other vegetable. It offers good protection against flu-like infections in the cold season. However, the vitamin C content is reduced by cooking. Therefore, you should cook it as gently as possible.
There is also a lot of potassium in Brussels sprouts. This can prevent high blood pressure.
It also contains iron.
In addition, regular consumption protects white blood cells from cell damage.
There is sulforaphane in Brussels sprouts. The antioxidant is said to prevent tumors and have an anti-inflammatory effect, for example in arthritis.

Keep Reading
By
Cooking Tips

Eating Brussels Sprouts Raw: You Should Pay Attention to This

Eating Brussels sprouts raw is possible in principle, but can put your digestion to the test. Here you can find out how to prepare the small cabbage florets as easily digestible as raw food.

Brussels sprouts are in season in Germany between September and March. It is therefore a popular ingredient, especially in autumn and winter cuisine. It is usually served boiled, fried or gratinated – for example as a Brussels sprouts casserole, Brussels sprouts in a pan or Brussels sprouts stew. Recipes with uncooked Brussels sprouts are rarer.

In principle, it is possible to eat brussels sprouts raw – the uncooked kale florets are not poisonous or otherwise harmful. However, they can be difficult to digest. You can prevent this by preparing them as gently as possible on the stomach.

Eat brussels sprouts raw – this is the most digestible way

Brussels sprouts have a slight bitter note both cooked and uncooked. For this reason, the prejudice persists that the raw leaves are poisonous. In fact, a bitter taste in some types of vegetables is a warning signal: in zucchini or pumpkins, for example, it can indicate that the toxic substance cucurbitacin has formed. With Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, the slightly bitter aroma is normal and therefore not a cause for concern.

Cooked Brussels sprouts are one of the more digestible types of cabbage. However, it is harder to digest raw and can lead to flatulence and other digestive problems. This is mainly due to its high fiber content. If raw cabbage always causes problems for your stomach, you should also be careful with Brussels sprouts. Then try a smaller amount first to see how your body reacts to the uncooked Brussels sprouts.

Eating Brussels sprouts raw: Preparation and recipe ideas

The florets harvested from November are best suited for recipes with raw Brussels sprouts. They have usually been exposed to freezing temperatures and taste milder and sweeter as a result. When cleaning Brussels sprouts, it is also best to remove the outer, dark green leaves. They are usually dry, fibrous and taste less pleasant than the light green inner leaves, especially when raw.

You can eat Brussels sprouts raw, for example, by preparing them as a salad. Some recipes for Brussels sprouts salad use pre-steamed Brussels sprouts—the florets are usually cut in half. If you use raw Brussels sprouts for salad, you should chop them up as finely as possible. This makes it easier to digest and easier to digest. For example, cut the florets into thin slices, grate them or pluck off the leaves individually.

You can dress the raw Brussels sprouts salad with a classic vinaigrette, a honey-mustard dressing or a lemon dressing, for example. Walnuts are particularly suitable as a topping because they harmonize with the slightly bitter note of the cabbage. You can add other ingredients to taste. A few Brussels sprouts also add an interesting touch to a classic mixed salad.

Tip: It is best to buy your groceries seasonally and regionally and, if possible, pay attention to organic quality. We can recommend the organic seals from Demeter, Bioland and Naturland, as they follow stricter criteria than the EU organic seal. In this way you contribute to biodiversity and soil protection.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Brussels Sprouts Casserole: a Vegetarian Recipe

Brussels sprouts casserole provides vitamins and warms in cold temperatures. The hearty, vegetarian dish brings variety to the winter kitchen.

Brussels sprouts casserole: the ingredients

A hearty Brussels sprouts casserole is a particularly flavorful way to prepare the classic winter vegetable. It is best to use fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe. Frozen cabbage florets taste soggy in the casserole because they lose too much water.

Note: Pay attention to the organic quality of the ingredients, especially animal products. In this way you avoid chemical-synthetic pesticides and support more sustainable agriculture.

For four servings of Brussels sprouts casserole you need the following ingredients:

700 g potatoes (mainly waxy)
400 grams of Brussels sprouts
Salt
Seasoned Salt
pepper
nutmeg
ground cumin
2 eggs or 2 tablespoons soy flour
250 ml cream or oat cream
100 g hard cheese or vegan cheese
Tip: The ground cumin helps you to digest the cabbage better and avoid bloating. If you don’t like cumin, you can easily omit it.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes

Brussels sprouts casserole: the preparation

You should plan about 15 to 20 minutes to prepare the vegetables. The oven does the rest of the cooking.

How to prepare the vegetables for the Brussels sprouts casserole:

Wash and peel the potatoes.
Clean the Brussels sprouts carefully. You can find detailed instructions in our article Cleaning Brussels sprouts.
Cut the potatoes into quarters or eighths, depending on their size.
Boil the potato wedges in salted water for 10 minutes.
Now add the Brussels sprouts and cook the vegetables for another five minutes.
Strain the vegetables and let them evaporate briefly.
How to prepare the Brussels sprouts casserole:

Spread the potato wedges and Brussels sprouts evenly in the casserole dish.
Sprinkle the vegetables with some herb salt, pepper, nutmeg and ground cumin.
Mix the spices with the vegetables.
Whisk the two eggs with the cream or the soy flour with the oat cream and pour the mixture evenly over the Brussels sprouts casserole.
Grate the (vegan) cheese over the casserole.
Bake the Brussels sprouts casserole at 200 degrees Celsius top/bottom heat in the oven for 30 minutes.

Brussels sprouts casserole: tips for preparation

You can prepare the vegetables for the Brussels sprouts casserole very well the day before. If you don’t have much time to cook, cut down on the time by planning ahead.

Fast kitchen by chain cooking:

Serve boiled potatoes and boiled or roasted Brussels sprouts as a side dish with the meal the day before.
Boil a large batch of potatoes and keep the leftovers unpeeled in the fridge for the next day.
Also keep some of the Brussels sprouts covered in the fridge.
The next day, all you have to do for the Brussels sprouts casserole is peel the potatoes, cut them into slices or wedges and mix them with the cooked Brussels sprouts and the spices.
Complete the casserole using the instructions above.
Since the vegetables are fully cooked, the baking time is reduced to 20 to 25 minutes.
In this way, the preparation time for the Brussels sprouts casserole is reduced from 45 minutes to around ten minutes. The Brussels sprouts casserole then cooks alone in the oven and you can use the time gained for other things.

Things to know about Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a typical winter vegetable from the cabbage family. Harvest time in Germany begins at the end of September. Brussels sprouts are in high season between November and December. Since cabbage can be stored very well, you can buy regional Brussels sprouts until March.

It is best to buy fresh Brussels sprouts in organic quality and from regional suppliers. Organic food tends to contain far less residual pesticides because synthetic pesticides are banned from organic farming. Brussels sprouts from the region also have shorter transport routes – that saves CO2.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Roast Brussels Sprouts: This is How It Become Really Tasty

Roasting Brussels sprouts is easy with these instructions. Roasted Brussels sprouts are a popular side dish in wintry temperatures. Three variants bring variety to the plate.

You can prepare Brussels sprouts in different ways – for example in a pan. We’ll show you three varied ways of roasting Brussels sprouts.

Brussels sprouts are a typical winter vegetable from the cabbage family. Harvest time in Germany begins at the end of September. Brussels sprouts are in high season between November and December. Since cabbage can be stored very well, you can buy regional Brussels sprouts until March.

The best way to buy fresh Brussels sprouts is organic and from regional suppliers. Because organic food usually contains far less pesticide residues – synthetic pesticides are forbidden in organic cultivation. In addition, Brussels sprouts from the region do not have to be transported so far, which saves CO2. An alternative to the shop or market around the corner is the delivery of an eco box** with regional fruit and vegetables directly to your home.

Roast Brussels sprouts: the ingredients

You need the following ingredients for four to six side dishes of roasted Brussels sprouts:

500 grams of Brussels sprouts
3-4 tbsp vegetable oil (e.g. olive oil)
Salt
pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Be sure to use fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe. Frozen cabbage florets cannot be fried until brown because they lose too much water.

Tip: The ground cumin will help you digest the cabbage better.

Roast Brussels sprouts properly

If you want to roast Brussels sprouts, you should be careful not to burn them. How to properly roast Brussels sprouts:

Clean the Brussels sprouts carefully.
Cut the cabbage florets in half.
Heat the olive oil in a pan on high.
Add the Brussels sprouts once the oil is hot.
Then reduce the heat and fry the halves of Brussels sprouts for about five minutes on medium-high. Stir constantly so the vegetables don’t burn.
Add the salt, pepper and ground cumin and mix the spices with the Brussels sprouts. Reduce the temperature to the lowest level and cover the pan with a lid.
Roast the Brussels sprouts for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how al dente you want them to be. Stir every 3 to 5 minutes to avoid burning the Brussels sprouts. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if the veggies are too dry and sticking. Alternatively, you can also increase the amount of oil in this case.

Roast Brussels sprouts: three delicious variants

Roasted Brussels sprouts don’t have to taste boring: With a few simple steps and little effort, you can change the winter vegetables and add variety to your plate.

Brussels sprouts go very well with nuts. For example, add some roasted peanuts or cashew nuts to the finished dish.
With leftover rice from the day before, you can turn the fried Brussels sprouts into a delicious rice pan. Mix the cold rice with the fried florets and heat the rice pan for five more minutes. As a spice, curry goes very well here.
If you’re roasting Brussels sprouts, you can use breadcrumbs to give them a crispy crust. Simply add some oil or butter along with 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to the already cooked Brussels sprouts and sear them again.
Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven: Put the Brussels sprouts halves in a casserole dish and mix the vegetables with the spices. Pour some oil over it and put the mold in the oven. Then roast the Brussels sprouts for 45 to 50 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius top and bottom heat.
Brussels sprouts can also be combined with other types of vegetables to create a vegetable pan. But pay attention to the different cooking times of the vegetables.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Brussels Sprouts are Healthy: That’s Why You Should Eat the Regional Winter Vegetable More Often

What makes Brussels sprouts so healthy is not only plenty of vitamin C. When bought regionally, the winter vegetable is also a sustainable food.

Brussels sprouts belong to the cruciferous family and have been cultivated in Europe for around 200 years. At that time, farmers in Belgium began to grow the cabbage variety – which is why the florets are also called “Brussels cabbage”.

Brussels sprouts are a particularly digestible variety of cabbage that usually does not cause bloating or abdominal pain. Its strong aromatic flavor becomes milder after the first frost: then the sugar content increases and the cabbage tastes sweeter and less bitter. But whether strong or mild – Brussels sprouts are always healthy.

Brussels sprouts: Healthy thanks to vitamins and minerals

Numerous important vitamins and minerals make Brussels sprouts healthy (data from the USDA per 100g):

Vitamin C (85 mg) strengthens the body’s defences. 100 grams of Brussels sprouts contain about 85 milligrams of vitamin C.
Vitamin B-6 (0.2 mg) strengthens the immune system, among other things.
Vitamin A (38 micrograms) primarily supports bone formation, the skin and visual performance.
Vitamin K (177 micrograms) regulates cell growth and is important for blood clotting. Attention: Vitamin K inhibits the effect of vitamin K antagonists, which are contained in some medicines. If you are taking such medications, you should not consume too much vitamin K.
Potassium (389 mg) controls the transmission of stimuli in our muscles.
Calcium (42 mg) strengthens our bones and teeth.
Iron (1.4 mg) primarily transports oxygen in the blood.
According to research by the NDR, the vitamin C content in frozen Brussels sprouts is higher than in fresh ones. It depends on what “fresh” means. If you harvest Brussels sprouts in your garden and process them directly, the vitamin C content will be higher than fresh Brussels sprouts that have been stored in the cold store for some time and have been transported.

Brussels sprouts as part of a healthy diet

Not only the high amount of vitamins and minerals make Brussels sprouts healthy. It also contains other substances that promote our health:

Bitter substances stimulate digestion and soothe the gastric mucosa. They can even relieve mild abdominal pain.
Together with iron and vitamin B, folic acid (folate) promotes healthy blood formation.
Studies indicate that Brussels sprouts may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

With just under four grams of protein and fiber per 100 grams, Brussels sprouts not only provide important energy, but also fill you up in the long term and get your digestion going.

So it pays to include Brussels sprouts in your diet. Especially in winter it is an important supplier of health-promoting substances: it is one of the few regional vegetables that are still growing.

Brussels sprouts: Healthy and sustainable winter vegetables

Healthy Brussels sprouts are in season from November to January. It is a good alternative to vegetables that have to be imported from warmer regions in winter. However, only around 15 percent of the Brussels sprouts in the supermarket come from Germany. The rest comes mainly from the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain and France. Regional Brussels sprouts have a low carbon footprint, making them a sustainable food.

Tip: When shopping, pay attention to where the Brussels sprouts come from. At weekly markets or in organic supermarkets you can often find fresh Brussels sprouts on a stick from local farmers and you can shop regionally.

Cook Brussels sprouts properly

Its valuable ingredients make Brussels sprouts so healthy. To preserve them, you should prepare Brussels sprouts as fresh as possible. When buying, make sure that the florets are firm and light green. At room temperature, the florets wilt quickly. They will keep in the fridge for several days if you wrap them in a damp cloth.

Before processing Brussels sprouts, first remove yellow or loose leaves. Then you should clean the Brussels sprouts, remove the stalks and cut them in a cross shape. This way they cook evenly. Then you can prepare the florets:

Blanch Brussels sprouts: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add the Brussels sprouts. Leave it in the boiling water for about three minutes. Then drain it and let it cool in ice water for another three minutes. You can freeze blanched Brussels sprouts.
Boil and prepare Brussels sprouts: Place the florets in a saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Then turn down the heat and put a lid on the pot. After five to seven minutes the cabbage will be al dente.
You can process the cooked florets as you wish – let yourself be inspired by our healthy Brussels sprouts recipes, for example.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Brussels Sprouts Quiche: A Vegetarian Winter Recipe

Brussels sprouts quiche is a vegetarian recipe that you can prepare without much effort. We’ll show you how the classic French oven succeeds.

The quiche originally comes from France and there are different variations. The shortcrust pastry base and the egg and sour cream filling always remain the same. It is best to prepare the Brussels sprouts quiche between September and March, because Brussels sprouts are in season during this period.

Brussels sprouts quiche: A vegetarian recipe

Ingredients:

250 g flour
125 g butter 1 egg
2 tbsp water
0.5 tsp salt
500 g Brussels sprouts 150 sour cream 3 eggs
100 g cheese (Gouda)
0.5 tsp pepper
5 pinch(s) of salt
2 pinch(s) nutmeg

Directions:

First prepare the quiche dough. To do this, sift the flour into a bowl and crumble in the butter. Knead them in a bit before adding the egg, water, and salt. Then place the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Wash the Brussels sprouts and remove the brown spots. Then cook it for about six minutes. Pre-cooking will prevent the quiche from being ready before the cabbage is soft enough.
Then put the sour cream and eggs in a bowl and whisk them together.
Now add the grated cheese and spices.
Take the quiche dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured work surface.
Place the dough in the pan and pull it up along the edges of the pan. You can use a quiche tart or a normal round cake tin with a diameter of 28 centimeters.
Now pour the egg and sour cream mixture onto the dough and spread the Brussels sprouts on top.
Finally, put the quiche in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes at 160 degrees.

Brussels sprouts quiche: expansion for the filling

Many quiches are made with bacon. You can simply replace it with smoked tofu. To do this, cut the smoked tofu (200 grams per quiche) into small cubes and fry it in a pan with oil for ten minutes. Add the fried cubes to the quiche filling later.

Animal products and sustainability

For the Brussels sprouts quiche you need some animal ingredients such as eggs and sour cream. However, the production of animal products generates CO2 emissions. One kilogram of cheese, for example, causes 7.3 kilograms of CO2 equivalents. With 1.3 kilograms of CO2 equivalent, one liter of milk causes fewer emissions. According to the Federal Information Center for Agriculture, the CO2 equivalents are particularly high in dairy products with a high fat content. It is therefore better for the environment to consume animal products consciously and in moderation.

You should also pay attention to how the animals are kept when buying dairy products and eggs. Basically, it makes sense to buy animal products in organic quality. But not all organic eggs are kept in the same way: The European Union’s organic seal only meets the minimum requirements for organic animal husbandry. Under the EU organic seal, 230 laying hens per hectare may be kept. In contrast, the farming associations Bioland, Naturland and Demeter have 140 laying hens per hectare. You can find more examples of the various requirements in organic farming in the article: Organic seal: what do the animals get out of it? Also, try to use eggs without shredding the chicks.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Love or Hate?! Brussels Sprouts 12 Times Different

There are foods where opinions differ. Brussels sprouts are definitely one of them. But the cabbage variety is healthy and properly prepared and also very tasty. We will therefore tell you our top Brussels sprout recipes. You should definitely try these, too.

1. Fancy a salad

Most people only know Brussels sprouts as an accompaniment to meat or roasts. But cabbage also tastes great in a salad. Together with orecchiette pasta and dried tomatoes, the vegetables are simply delicious.

2. Pizza with a difference

Salami, Hawaii, or Caprese were yesterday. Be sure to try the Brussels sprouts pizza. The small florets provide more than half of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and also provide fiber. In addition, our Brussels sprout pizza has only 16 grams of fat, making it ideal for enjoying without regrets.

3. For poultry fans

Chicken wrapped in ham on a bed of couscous with Brussels sprouts. What sounds like a star chef, you can easily cook at home. Here is the recipe.

4. Puree with a difference

Brussel sprouts puree with sesame potatoes – this dish fills you up and is not only suitable for children. In addition to vitamin C, cabbage also contains a lot of vitamin B6, which is important for nerves and concentration. So feel free to vary it and instead of mashed potatoes or carrots, try the variant with Brussels sprouts.

5. Pasta, that’s it!

Pasta always tastes good, doesn’t it? So be sure to try our tagliatelle with Brussels sprouts and parsley pesto. A completely new taste experience.

6. Do you speak English?

Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, bacon, and some spices. That’s all you need for this delicious English dish. Simple, but very very tasty in every coat.

7. Blanched Brussels sprouts

We usually cook the Brussels sprouts whole. But for this recipe, the individual leaves are only briefly blanched. Together with chicken breast and pine nuts, this creates a healthy and low-calorie dish.

8. Off to the pot

This stew is just the thing for winter. The two cabbage sisters rose and flower, green beans, and wheat are put into the pot. Looks delicious, doesn’t it?

9. Orange and green combo

Salmon provides the omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for our body. Together with Brussels sprouts and dill, it makes a big impact on this recipe. The additional plus point of the salad? It’s quick to prepare.

10. For soup clowns

Have you ever eaten Brussels sprout soup? No? But you should. Because this tastes very delicious and is suitable either as a starter or main course.

11. Exotic delicious

A curry with Brussels sprouts? Sounds unusual, but it’s delicious and definitely something different. Of course, coconut milk and lots of spices should not be missing from this dish.

12. Now it’s time to get down to business

Would you like to have some Brussels sprouts for longer? Then just canning the cabbage variety. It’s easier than you think. So you can enjoy Brussels sprouts on any occasion.

Keep Reading
By
Cooking Tips

Brussels Sprouts Cooking Time: How to KeepThem Crisp

Brussels sprouts are a very healthy winter vegetable. Here you can find out what you should consider when preparing Brussels sprouts and find suitable recipe ideas.

Brussels sprouts are a classic winter vegetable: they are in season from October to February and provide us with valuable nutrients during the cold season. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

To ensure that the vitamins and minerals are retained during preparation and that the Brussels sprouts remain crisp, you should observe the following instructions.

Cook Brussels sprouts: This is the ideal cooking time

How long Brussels sprouts should cook depends on its size. If the florets are rather large, the cooking time is about fifteen minutes. If they are small, you shouldn’t cook the sprouts for more than 10 minutes.

To keep the Brussels sprouts from overcooking and becoming crunchy, you should follow these steps:

Before cooking, remove any eaten leaves and wash the Brussels sprouts florets thoroughly in cold water. In another article you will find tips for cleaning Brussels sprouts.
Then bring plenty of salted water to the boil in a saucepan and then add the Brussels sprouts. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the florets simmer in the salted water for 10-15 minutes. Periodically check with a fork to see if the cabbage is done. As soon as the tines sink relatively easily into the rosette without falling apart, it’s done.
Then pour the Brussels sprouts into a sieve and briefly rinse them under cold water. So its green color is preserved.

Steam Brussels sprouts

Another preparation method that is gentle on the Brussels sprouts is steaming. How to do it:

Before cooking, remove any eaten leaves and wash the Brussels sprouts florets thoroughly in cold water.
Put water in as wide a pot as possible. The water should only be deep enough for you to put a steamer basket in without it leaking through the holes. Alternatively, you can also hang a large sieve in the pot.
Place the Brussels sprouts in the steamer basket or colander and let the water boil. Then immediately turn the heat down to medium-low and let the Brussels sprouts steam for 10 minutes.
Finally, quench it with cold water to give it its light green color.

Keep Reading
By