They’re growing in popularity gradually, and people who haven’t used Brussels sprouts in their cooking need to keep these points in mind:
- Do not overcook them. The taste changes and the flavor becomes very strong, which does not go well for many recipes. Just cook to al dente.
- Spices that are pungent, or even garam masala, may not work well with these sprouts. Use spices that lend a sweet aroma, like fennel seeds, cinnamon, coriander seeds, and cardamom.
- Avoid eating this vegetable if you are bloated or have other digestive problems. Consume in moderation.
- Though you can prepare these in several ways, steaming gives the best results.
Now that you are equipped with the dos and don'ts of these sprouts, let’s look at 10 desi recipes where Brussels sprouts fit surprisingly well:
Brussels Sprouts Sabzi:
Any vegetable can be made into a traditional sabzi. It is the easiest vegetable dish that can be made by using a few ingredients and these few steps:
- Heat the oil and temper the cumin and garlic until it smells nice.
- Add and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Next, add the tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
- Add green chilli and Indian spices like cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, salt, and chilli powder.
- Cook the Brussels sprouts until tender and garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon juice.
Brussels Sprouts Curry with Coconut Milk:
Image Credits: Cooking With Keasberry
The traditional sabzi mentioned above can also be made a bit more flavorful by using coconut milk. The creamy curry can be made the same way as the previous recipe, but just add coconut milk after sautéing all the aromatics.
Brussels Sprouts Pakoras:
Brussels sprouts can also be incorporated into everyone’s favorite teatime companion, pakoras!
Just follow these steps:
- Prepare a batter using chickpea flour, rice flour, spices, and water.
- Dip the Brussels sprouts in this mixture.
- Deep fry the dipped Brussels sprouts until golden brown.
- Serve with some tangy and spicy mint and coriander chutney.
And voila! Brussels sprout pakoras are made in minutes!
Brussels Sprouts Paratha:
Brussels sprouts can also be made into a flatbread using whole wheat flour.
Recipe:
- Mix the chopped Brussels sprouts, onion, garlic, and Indian spices with whole wheat flour.
- Knead the mixture into a dough using a few tablespoons of water.
- Roll into small balls and roll flat using a rolling pin.
- Cook on a tawa until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with pickles and yogurt.
Brussels Sprouts Sambar:
I know it sounds unconventional, but don’t knock it until you try it! Sambar, a classic South Indian stew, can be taken up a notch by adding stir fried Brussels sprouts.
Recipe:
- Prepare the sambar stew normally using toor dal, tamarind, tomatoes, and spices like cumin, coriander, and fenugreek.
- Once it comes to a boil, add in your Brussels sprouts with all the other veggies.
- Serve hot with some delicious idlis, vadas, or rice!
Tandoori Brussels Sprouts:
Image Credits: Aaichi Savali
Roasting any vegetable in a coating of yogurt and spices sounds and tastes delicious, so why not incorporate Brussels sprouts in this mix?
Recipe:
- Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare a mixture of hung curd and Indian spices like cumin, red chilli, coriander, and salt to taste.
- Coat the Brussels sprouts in this mixture.
- Roast them in a preheated oven for 20–25 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Enjoy your delicious tandoori Brussels sprouts with some spicy mint chutney.
Brussel Sprouts Noodles:
Image Credits: Sprouted Kitchen
Cook bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onions with some salt and pepper. Boil your noodles until al dente and add them to the stir fry. Finally, add a spicy sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, and chopped ginger, and enjoy your Brussels sprouts stir-fry with noodles!
Brussels Sprouts Pulao:
If you like your rice, why not try incorporating Brussels sprouts into it? Prepare your very own delicious Brussels sprouts pulao using these few and easy steps:
- Heat some oil in a cooker and add onion, ginger, garlic, and whole spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
- After spices are tempered, add in Brussels sprouts and other assorted veggies.
- Finally, add your washed basmati rice and cook on high heat.
- Garnish with herbs like cilantro and mint.
Brussels Sprouts Samosa: An international twist on a classic Indian snack.
Recipe:
- Prepare a dough of maida and ajwain.
- Roll out thin sheets of this dough.
- Fill it with mashed potatoes, chopped Brussels sprouts, and peas.
- Fold the filled sheet into the desired shape.
- Deep fry until golden brown
- Serve with spicy or sweet chutney.
- Brussels Sprouts Raita:
Even raita can be made more delicious by using Brussels sprouts. Just follow these easy steps and enjoy your next plate of biriyani with some delicious and tangy Brussels sprouts raita!
- Grate and cook your Brussels sprouts.
- Whisk the desired amount of curd until no lumps are found.
- Add cooked Brussels sprouts, grated cucumber, cilantro, and spices like cumin, coriander, and chaat masala to the mixed curd.
So, which one of these dishes will you try out this weekend? Whatever you choose, just remember to adjust the spice levels to your taste preferences, and experiment with different combinations of spices and flavors to create your own unique Brussels sprouts recipes!