Recipe Adventure: Building a Love for Brussels Sprouts

It’s scientifically safe to say that Brussels sprouts might never be crowned as the world’s most beloved vegetable. The miniature cabbage ranked fourth from last among veggies in a 2019 American poll. And it was last in a poll exploring British tastes in 2020.

The only place Brussels sprouts may truly be popular is in … well, their namesake city of Brussels, Belgium. That’s where they really took root as a menu item a few hundred years ago.

But consider this: Maybe folks are just preparing Brussels sprouts all wrong. How the cruciferous vegetable tastes varies widely depending on whether it’s roasted, sauteed, boiled, steamed or nibbled on raw.

The right recipe certainly helps, too. The following is a good place to start to build up some love and appreciation for Brussels sprouts.

Sweet and savory

Roasting Brussels sprouts helps bring out a surprising natural sweetness. Combine the veggie with ham, apples and a splash of balsamic vinegar, and you’ve got an enticing dish bursting with flavor.

Conversion method

If you’re a Brussels sprouts hater, you’ll change your tune after trying this delish and nutrition-packed combo. The recipe pairs roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet dates, hazelnuts and cloves of garlic.

Standing alone

Brussels sprouts pair nicely with other foods — but they don’t necessarily need a culinary buddy to be enjoyed. This plain-and-simple recipe features just the cruciferous veggie roasted with some EVOO and a bit of salt and pepper.

And if you’re a fan of sautéing in the kitchen, you’ll want to add Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad to your menu. It’s another way Brussels sprouts can be the main attraction.

Raw flavor

Don’t have time to cook up your Brussels sprouts? Then break out a knife and carve the raw mini cabbage into thin slices for use in a mouth-watering slaw with apples and pecans. The result is sweet, crunchy, nutty and tart.

Salad add-in

Want to make any salad healthier? Toss Brussels sprouts into the mix. The little vegetable is big time when it comes to levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B, iron and fiber (to name a few perks).

Superpowers

The impressive list of nutritional benefits connected to Brussels sprouts often earns the veggie a cape and “superfood” title. This garden omelet recipe brings Brussels sprouts and other superfoods together to fight for your health.