They are green leafy buds which look similar to cabbage, although they have a characterized taste to the cabbages, their delicate flavor is of thicker texture compared to cabbage. They are from the same family as the cabbage family. Brussels sprouts are native to the northern parts of Europe and they get their name from the city of Brussels in Belgium where it is thought they were first grown. Brussels spouts are not a favorite food of many especially children who have come to detest that famous phrase uttered by parents all over the world, “finish all your vegetables.” Brussels sprouts are usually available in the months of October through to March. When buying Brussels sprouts the heads need to be tight, the leaves vivid and one should avoid yellowing or loose leaves. When storing Brussels sprouts it is advisable to refrigerate them in a plastic bag.
Brussels sprouts in bowl
There are three major ways of cooking Brussels sprouts. They can be cooked by either steaming or boiling although some people will also opt tossing them into salad. To cook the Brussels sprouts by boiling, one should follow the following steps;
- Fill a cooking pot with water. Measure the water in the ration of one cup of sprouts to one cup of water.
- After the water has boiled, put the sprouts into it then,
- Let them boil for a period of less than 5 minutes then remove them when they are tender.
To cook Brussels sprouts by steaming one should;
- Boil an inch of water in a vegetable steamer. Add the Brussels just when the water boils.
- The sprouts should then be steamed for 2 or more minutes.
- To remove some of the smell from the sprouts one should uncover the lid for at most 20 seconds.
- Then continue cooking the sprouts for the next 5-10 minutes until they are tender.
To prepare Brussels sprouts salad one will need to have the following;
- 10-15 Brussels sprouts of the same size.
- Ones choice of salad dressing.
- A mixed garlic glove and
- Cherry tomatoes that have been halved
With the above ingredients at hand, one should prepare the salad as follows;
- After boiling or steaming the Brussels sprouts, place them into cold water.
- Remove the leavers and place the Brussels sprouts in a bowl.
- One should then add the tomatoes and the mixed garlic glove then pour the needed amount of salad dressing then serve.