Easy Brussel Sprouts! Perfect Christmas Recipe - Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

According to some highly informal ONS research commissioned by Pete…. Supermarkets sell approximately 750million individual Brussels sprouts at Christmas time, but if you estimate how many are eaten, it's only about half of that.

It seems to be a simple case of timing. The sprout thrives and grows well over the winter period, and came to British shores towards the end of the 18th century, just as the concept of Christmas feasting was igniting.

Brussels Sprouts

Sprouts are best started in a seed bed planting the seeds 1cm deep and at least 15cm apart. After around 6 weeks the plants should be growing well and be around 15cm tall, at this point they can be moved to their permanent position.

Contributed by Whole Foods Market, Inc. To prepare, soak Brussels sprouts in a bowl of cold, salted water for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture. That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

Sprouts were still much of a novelty well into the 19^th century. However, their appearance in late autumn made them an ideal fresh vegetable for the table just as the idea of having a large feast to celebrate Christmas Day was taking root in Victorian sensibilities. They were a match made in heaven, at least for some.

Plan on about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of raw brussels sprouts per person.

Can be made ahead of time: These roasted Brussels sprouts aren't crispy. While the roasting does provide a nice char flavor, it also leaves them soft. This means they can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for easy meal prep or leftovers.

In fact, the tradition of cutting a cross in the base of a sprout might have less to do with culinary technique and more to do with superstition. In Medieval times, it was believed that evil spirits and demons lived between the leaves of the vegetable, and they would enter anyone who ate them, making them ill.

What is Brussels like at Christmas? ›

Every year, our capital pulls out all the stops to offer them an unforgettable experience. Cosy Christmas markets, magical illuminations and crazy attractions transport the public to a winter wonderland. A destination worthy of the finest fairy tales, Brussels is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas.

Some people swear by cutting a cross in the bottom of each sprout, which they believe allows them to cook all through – but it's not necessary, and you'll save time if you don't.

Sow seeds from early March to May, into prepared ground (see above), under cloches or fleece if the weather is still cold. Brussels are traditionally sown in a separate 'seedbed', rather than in the main veg plot, then transplanted in early summer, once more space becomes available.

A ½ cup of Brussels sprouts is a good source of Vitamin K (137% RDI) and Vitamin C (81% RDI) Kids, Ages 5-12 Teens and Adults, Ages 13 and up Males 2½-5 cups per day 42 - 6½ cups per day Females 2½-5 cups per day 3½-5 cups per day *If you are active, eat the higher number of cups per day.

Brussels sprouts are cool season vegetables that prefer a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep.

Soaking: Think of soaking as the initial step before actually sprouting a legume, grain, nut or seed. Many people soak beans before cooking to cut down on cooking time and reduce compounds that may cause gasiness in our digestive systems (although it's not completely necessary, it's definitely recommended).

However, the natural agents that protect them from early germination can wreak havoc in our digestive system. Soaking and sprouting replicates germination, which activates and multiplies nutrients (particularly Vitamins A, B, and C), neutralizes enzyme inhibitors, and promotes the growth of vital digestive enzymes.

A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts. Another key ingredient is fat, which helps Brussels sprouts to crisp up. This is why it's so popular to render bacon fat and cook Brussels sprouts in it, then add the bacon bits back in at the end.