Roasted Brussels Sprouts

When you think of side dishes that can elevate a meal from simple to extraordinary, roasted Brussels sprouts often come to mind. These little green gems have been on many young children’s ”do not eat” lists. However, did you know that Brussels sprouts are considered polarizing due to their distinctive flavour composition? Why is this? Well, the answer is simple and comes down to the manner of preparation.

Brussel sprouts boiled and cooked without much seasoning can be bland, bitter, and possess a strong sulfuric smell. However, when roasted, they take on a sweet and nutty flavour. So imagine biting into a perfectly roasted Brussels sprout: crisp, caramelized edges with a nutty interior, while hints of garlic and spices enhance its appeal.

Ingredients

Brussels sprouts, Garlic cloves, White Pepper, Cajun Spice, Salt, Olive oil.

In this recipe, we’ve used a unique combination of spices and flavours to enhance the taste of this vegetable. White pepper has a different flavour than black pepper, which is sharp. With a milder flavour, white pepper adds a sophisticated depth to the brussels sprouts without overwhelming the natural taste of the dish. Interestingly, white pepper can enhance the nuttiness and sweetness of brussel sprouts.

Cajun spice is a delicious blend of spices, including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. It also includes herbs such as oregano and thyme. This seasoning blend adds a Smokey and spicy flavour to the brussels sprouts. The best part is that you can constantly adjust the heat level by adding more or less Cajun spice. Other alternatives for this spice are smoked paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Use 1/4 tsp of each to create a flavour profile similar to the Cajun spice. Garlic cloves are sautéed with the Brussels sprouts, adding a slightly nutty taste.

Instructions

Thoroughly wash your Brussels sprouts. Cut them into halves. Cutting the Brussels sprouts into halves increases the surface area of the vegetable and allows for crispier edges. Cooking time will decrease by half, and the taste of the Brussels sprouts will be rich and creamy rather than bitter.

One of the core elements of cooking Brussels sprouts is using garlic to flavour the vegetable. Finely mince your garlic. Brown your garlic in a pan of olive oil or butter. (Butter is better)

Add salt, Pepper, and Cajun spice to your minced garlic. After you add your spices, make sure to stir your garlic well. Caramelized garlic will enhance the taste of the Brussels sprouts. Stir fry your Brussels sprouts.

Place a baking sheet on your baking tray. Bake your Brussels sprouts until it has browned. Make sure that they are not overcrowded. To ensure even browning, shake the pan halfway through. Remove from oven. Enjoy!
And there you have it! Your Roasted Brussels sprouts are ready to eat with your favourite main meal. They are a versatile, simple side dish with a rich, buttery taste.

What to Serve with your Roasted Brussels sprouts?

Serve alongside your main dishes, such as Roasted Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Lamb Chops. You can also serve this on top of a Caesar Salad and add an incredibly new flavour profile to the usual salad. There are many ways to increase the profile of this dish. Depending on what you feel for a specific day or perhaps the type of main dish you are preparing, here are some of our favourite variations.

While Parmesan Cheese will add to your roasted Brussels sprouts, honey and Dijon mustard will take them to the next level. Add one tsp of honey and one tsp of Dijon mustard with olive oil and then drizzle it over this vegetable. Balsamic Glaze will provide a tangy flavour. 

How to Store Your Roasted Brussels sprouts?

Store in the fridge for three to four days. You can freeze the Roasted Brussels sprouts for 12 months. Thaw from frozen and then reheat in the oven. As Brussels sprouts are compact, a lot of water can be stored between the tiny leaves. Reheating in the oven is best to dry out that water.