Brussels sprouts have been a beloved winter vegetable for years. Yet they do not have a good reputation with everyone. That's a shame, because modern Brussels sprouts are much milder in taste than before and also incredibly versatile. Whether you boil, fry, roast in the oven or make them crispy in the airfryer: with the right preparation you can put a delicious dish on the table.
In this complete guide you will read everything about preparing Brussels sprouts. You will discover how long Brussels sprouts need to cook, which cooking method tastes best, which herbs pair well and which recipes you should definitely try.
What are Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts belong to the cabbage family and grow as small green balls along a thick stalk. They are mainly harvested from autumn through winter and are therefore a true seasonal vegetable.
Besides their characteristic flavor, Brussels sprouts are rich in nutrients. They contain among others:
- vitamin C
- vitamin K
- folic acid
- fiber
- antioxidants
Because of their firm texture, Brussels sprouts are suitable for many different cooking methods.
How do you clean Brussels sprouts?
Good preparation ensures the best result.
- Cut a thin slice off the hard stem.
- Remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves.
- Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water.
- Halve large Brussels sprouts so they cook evenly.
Then they are ready to be boiled, fried or roasted.
How long should Brussels sprouts be boiled?
The cooking time depends on the size of the Brussels sprouts.
- Small Brussels sprouts: 6 to 8 minutes
- Medium Brussels sprouts: 8 to 10 minutes
- Large Brussels sprouts: 10 to 12 minutes
Poke a Brussels sprout with a fork. If it slides in easily but the sprout still feels firm, they are perfectly cooked.
Frying Brussels sprouts
Fried Brussels sprouts develop a lovely light nutty flavor.
How to do it
- optionally parboil the Brussels sprouts for 4 minutes;
- heat a little olive oil or butter;
- fry the Brussels sprouts for 8 to 10 minutes;
- stir regularly.
Delicious with garlic, pepper and a little nutmeg.
Brussels sprouts from the oven
Roasting adds extra flavor as the natural sugars lightly caramelize.
Preparation
- preheat the oven to 200°C;
- toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil;
- roast them for 20 to 25 minutes;
- turn halfway through.
For extra flavor Habibi Veggie is a delicious choice. This 100% natural spice mix gives roasted Brussels sprouts a spicy Middle Eastern twist without added salt or sugar. Delightful with Greek yogurt, pomegranate seeds and roasted almonds.
Brussels sprouts from the airfryer
The airfryer is ideal if you want to make Brussels sprouts nice and crispy.
Preparation
- preheat the airfryer to 190°C;
- toss the Brussels sprouts with a little oil;
- cook them for 12 to 15 minutes;
- shake the basket halfway.
The outside becomes wonderfully crispy while the inside remains soft.
Which herbs suit Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts pair well with both classic and modern flavorings.
Classic
- black pepper
- nutmeg
- garlic
- thyme
Mediterranean
With Sirtaki Spice Mix Brussels sprouts get a fresh herby flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon and feta.
Middle Eastern
Habibi Veggie adds extra warmth to roasted Brussels sprouts thanks to ingredients such as coriander, cumin, ginger and cinnamon.
Dutch cuisine
The One Pan Show was developed for mash dishes and oven casseroles, but also works surprisingly well over boiled or roasted Brussels sprouts. Thanks to ingredients like onion, tomato, pepper, garlic, lemon, fennel seed and thyme this winter vegetable gets just a bit more flavor.
All spice mixes from Natural Spices are made from 100% natural ingredients, without added salt or sugar.
The tastiest recipes with Brussels sprouts
With Brussels sprouts you can make much more than just a traditional Dutch meal.
Try for example:
- airfryer Brussels sprouts;
- roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven;
- Brussels sprout mash;
- Brussels sprouts with bacon bits;
- vegetarian Brussels sprouts with feta;
- pasta with Brussels sprouts and Parmesan cheese;
- Brussels sprouts with honey-mustard dressing;
- Brussels sprout salad with apple and walnuts.
Are Brussels sprouts healthy?
Brussels sprouts fit excellently into a varied diet. They contain relatively few calories and are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. In addition, fibers provide a lasting feeling of fullness and vitamins C and K contribute to various normal bodily functions. A varied diet and a healthy lifestyle of course remain important.
Frequently asked questions
1. How long should Brussels sprouts be boiled?
On average 8 to 10 minutes. Small Brussels sprouts are often cooked a little faster.
2. Can you freeze Brussels sprouts?
Yes. Blanch them first for about 3 minutes and then freeze them. That way they will keep well for about 12 months.
3. Why do Brussels sprouts sometimes taste bitter?
Usually because they were cooked too long. Modern Brussels sprout varieties are also much milder than before.
4. Do you have to halve Brussels sprouts?
Only large Brussels sprouts. That way all sprouts cook at the same time.
5. Can you eat Brussels sprouts raw?
Yes. Thinly shaved they are delicious in a salad with apple, nuts and a fresh dressing.
Give Brussels sprouts extra flavor with Natural Spices
With the right spices Brussels sprouts become a real flavor maker on the table. Whether you choose a classic mash, roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven or a quick airfryer version, with the 100% natural spice mixes from Natural Spices you can easily add extra flavor to any preparation. Discover our world mixes and individual spices and experiment with new flavor combinations – always without added salt or sugar.
