Ingredient of the YEAR: Brussels Sprouts

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How nice that the most HATED vegetable of my childhood has become the most LOVED.

The Brussels Sprout has won "Ingredient of the Year" on Serious Eats website, and I concur.

This was something that I detested while growing up: smell, taste, texture, you name it, nothin' good about it.

Now that I am a mature woman (or so I think), I love this little green cabbage called the Brussels Sprout (yes, Brussels, as in the city in Belgium) because I know how to prepare them now.

I roast them weekly and serve them at room temperature with Pecorino Romano on top, or slice them up and saute them with pancetta & shallots.



I have found a third way to love this vegetable now!
I tried this recipe from Bon Appetit, which is more like a Brussels slaw and it is a winner!

Don't forget to make the maple pecans, they would be great in any salad and they are a perfect compliment to the sprouts with the grainy mustard.

Brussels Sprout Slaw with Mustard Dressing and Maple-Glazed Pecans: (adapted from Bon Appetit)

1 cup large pecan halves
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt plus additional for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray large sheet of foil with nonstick spray. Place pecans on small rimmed baking sheet. Whisk maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in small bowl. Add to nuts and toss to coat; spread in single layer. Bake nuts 5 minutes. Stir. Continue to bake nuts until toasted and glaze is bubbling thickly, about 6 minutes. Immediately transfer nuts to prepared foil and separate. Cool completely. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight.



Whisk mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar in small bowl; whisk in oil. Season with coarse salt and pepper.

Bring large pot of water to boil. Add 1 tablespoon coarse salt. Add brussels sprouts. Cook until crisp-tender and still bright green, about 5 minutes. Drain; rinse with cold water. Cool on paper towels. Using processor fitted with 1/8- to 1/4-inch slicing disk, slice brussels sprouts. Transfer to large bowl. DO AHEAD: Dressing and brussels sprouts can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately; chill.

Toss brussels sprouts with enough dressing to coat. Let marinate 30 to 60 minutes. Mix in some pecans. Place slaw in serving bowl. Top with remaining pecans.



It was delicious the second day out of the fridge too!








Comments

The JR said…
Salads are never boring at your house. I wouldn't mind being on a diet if I lived with ya'll.

My Dr. told his evil nurse to call me again and give me the bloodwork results yesterday. yadda, yadda, yadda. Same ol thing. Lose weight, eat no sugar, exercise and diet.

In other words diet wouldn't be such a bad 4 letter word if I would fix all your delicious looking salads.
kat said…
I know I would have never believed as a kid that I would love brussels sprouts as much as I do now.
Dewi said…
What a delicious way of cooking it Stacey. I am sure it tastes wonderful.
Catherine said…
Isn't it funny how these veggies are making a come back!

Thanks for all the new combinations. My favorite has been roasting them and then a quick saute in maple syrup and brown sugar. Healthy, I know.
Candice said…
My most favorite veggie!! I can't wait to try this recipe!
Salad looks so good and those pecans.... yum!
Jen_from_NJ said…
I do love my Brussels sprouts! I hated them as a kid also. Who knew that they could ever make "ingredient of the year"?! Go sprouts!! This slaw definitely sounds like a winner!
Foodiewife said…
I'm working on liking Brussels sprouts. I don't hate them, but I can only handle a few bite. HOWEVER, hubs loves them. I'll use my candied pecans and I'll bet this is really good. I'm convinced to try them...one more recipe to print and save.
Steve said…
Stacey,
Oh yes. I'm the only one in the house who will eat them. I've paid the kids to try them - nothing doing. I have your book and will drop it by. Out of town until Friday however.
Steve
http://www.myfavoriteflavours.com
I guess you are right. I have been seeing a lot of new dishes with Brussels sprouts in it!
Brussel sprouts have made a comeback, I've always loved them but my kids hate them. I saw Lidia once take each leaf off one by one until she had a pile, and then she sauteed them it looked delish just like yours.
Dana said…
That sounds like a fantastic way to eat those little guys. I have slowly warmed to brussels sprouts. I do like them roasted and thinly sliced and sauteed in butter with shallots. I will definitely give this a try - love the mustard in there!