Brussels sprouts are the most controversial dish at the Christmas table, but it turns out most of us dislike this green veggie because we have been cooking them the wrong way.
It may seem easy enough to leave Brussels sprouts to boil in a pot but this is the worst way to cook them as they contain sulfur compounds that release a strong bitter flavour if they become overcooked.
Choclette, a cook and founder of Tin and Thyme, have shared that Brussels sprouts will taste incredible if you only cook them for only a few minutes.
Choclette said: “A good Brussels sprout is a wondrous thing. It should be green, slightly al dente and never sulphurous. In fact, cooked well, they have a lovely nutty flavour.
“The key to how to cook the perfect Brussels sprouts is to cook them for a very short time. Anything over six minutes is probably too much.”
How to cook the perfect Brussels sprouts
The best way to make Brussels sprouts is to make sure they are the very last item you cook when making your Christmas dinner since they should only be cooked for less than six minutes.
It is also important to make sure the Brussels sprouts are not bought frozen as it can cause them to become mushy when cooked, and instead try and buy them as fresh as possible.
All you have to do is trim the Brussels sprouts and remove any damaged leaves. Cut any big Brussels sprouts in half so they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Rinse the Brussels sprouts and then place them in a pot with a little bit of salted water, but make sure it is only a little so that the vegetables are not submerged.
It is much better to steam Brussels sprouts as boiling can make them less nutritious as well as lead to them having a sulfuric taste.
Choclette said: “Only use a little water to cook them in, there’s no need to cover them completely as the steam will cook any uncovered bits. This way, you don’t lose too many of the elements that make sprouts good for you.”
If you prefer, you can also place the Brussels sprouts in a roasting tray with some olive oil and cook them in the oven instead.
The most important part of making Brussels sprouts is to not leave them to cook for too long and not to boil them.
Set a timer so that the Brussels sprouts are only cooking for six minutes and immediately remove them from the heat once the time is up.
Then all you have to do is place the Brussels sprouts in a dish and serve them with whatever seasonings and garnishings you wish but they pair beautifully with garlic, honey, balsamic vinegar or even Parmesan cheese.
Choclette said: “Personally, I like to serve Brussels sprouts cooked this way with a little butter and a good grinding of black pepper.
“But you could just as easily serve them au naturel or with a drizzle of peppery extra virgin olive oil. Another alternative is to stir in a spoonful of homemade pesto.”
If cooked properly Brussels sprouts can be the star dish at the dinner table this Christmas as they will have a nutty, earthy and slightly sweet flavour rather than tasting bitter.
