Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Brussels Sprouts

Yes....they originally were popular in Belgium...hence the name.  A lot of folks don't care for them...I love them.  If you overcook sprouts, they release a sulphurous odor ... which is one of the reasons some people don't care for them.

This recipe is for raw sprouts.  I prefer them at least slightly cooked myself because they are sometimes a bit strong or bitter to me if raw. But... still love 'em ... however, I do sometimes wish we could all taste fruit and veggies directly from the vine..(or tree or whatever) ... at the peak of freshness and perfectly sun ripened.  If wishes were horses, as they say.......

Okay, back to this particular recipe.












I watch a new cooking show called Best Recipes Ever ... they have a ton of great recipes available online... called "tested til perfect".  Find them at canadianliving.com


Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad

3  tbsp. light mayonnaise
2  tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
1  tbsp. lemon juice
1  tsp. each Dijon mustard and Anchovy paste ( I omitted the Anchovy paste)
1  large clove garlic, minced
1/2  tsp. Worcestershire sauce
pinch pepper
4 cups (1 L ) shredded Brussels sprouts (about 16 sprouts)  (she used food processor to shred them)
2  tbsp. each extra virgin olive oil and diced prosciutto or bacon (who needs oil when you have bacon fat? ..hmmm...)

In large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cheese, lemon juice, mustard, anchovy paste, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and pepper.  Add brussels sprouts, tossing to coat. Set aside.

In skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook prosciutto until crisp.  (I used bacon and no oil of course)  Add prosciutto with oil to sprouts mixture, tossing to combine.  Let stand for 10 minutes to wilt slightly.
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Other option::::    I chose to cut my sprouts in halves and quarters, and toss them into my pan with some slices of almost cooked bacon. Once softened a bit...I turned off heat and added the mayo mixture ...folding into the sprouts.  Served it in the nice stainless pan in which I cooked the bacon.  Next time I think I will blanch or ever so slightly cook the sprouts first... ooooohhh.... it's a yummy dish.
Creamy mashed potatoes, carrots in broth with fresh parsley....tenderloin with Apple cider ...












Of course, not necessarily one to make every time you enjoy sprouts...but, for special occasions.  Or... even as what I call "Sunday on a Monday" as I decided we were having the other day.  I didn't do much for supper on the Sunday because the day just got away from me.  So, figured, what the heck... I'll do something nice on Monday.  I'm home all day.... and with tenderloin as the main dish..it sure doesn't take long to turn out something pretty special....stay tuned for the tenderloin recipe.

10 comments:

Rita said...

This was so intersrting! I know nothing about brussel sprouts, but you sure give me the urge to try them. Great suggestions! thank you.
Rita

rachel said...

Alternatively, you could cook them till just tender, plunge into very cold water for a second, to retain their colour, and blitz them with seasoning and enough double cream to make a fluffy mash - even kids will happily eat sprouts that way!

Judi W. said...

I think generations of Moms who cooked BS until soggy was the death knell for these veg ! I love them myself - blanched then sauteed with some butter. Learned to cook them properly from Julia :)

Sue said...

I also love brussel sprouts and agree that partially cooked ones would be better in this recipe, which looks yummy!

Thanks!

Sue

pass said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
BumbleVee said...

sorry if anybody got curious and clicked on that stupid thing before rachel kindly reminded me it was still visible.... I definitely don't want to offer any rude or dangerous links in MY comment section!! thanks again rachel for seeing it and letting me know...I was slow off the mark today!

walter and me said...

Looks delicious...I adore Brussels!

sandy said...

Wow, looks good. I, for the first time in my life, had brussel sprouts a few months ago when my husband made some and I loved them.

Martha said...

I love sprouts but have never done them in a salad -- I'll remember this recipe -- looks yummy!

Serena Lewis said...

Brussels sprouts are my favourite veggie! Sounds like a yummy recipe that the kids would enjoy too ~ :)