Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family along with broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. They are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, folate, manganese, and fiber. However, Brussels sprouts are infamous for their bitter taste, which can be off-putting to some. The good news is that cooking Brussels sprouts with spices is an easy and delicious way to bring out their sweet, nutty flavor and curb the bitterness. Certain spices complement and enhance the flavor of Brussels sprouts wonderfully. Let’s look at some of the best spices to use with Brussels sprouts and get tips on how to cook Brussels sprouts so they taste amazing.
Spices That Go Well With Brussels Sprouts
Here are some of the most complementary spices to use when cooking Brussels sprouts:
Garlic – Garlic adds a robust, savory flavor. It mellows out the bitter notes in Brussels sprouts and accents their natural sweetness. Garlic can be roasted along with Brussels sprouts or used raw and sautéed briefly at the end.
Onion – Onions add sweetness and another layer of flavor. Caramelized onions go especially well with Brussels sprouts. Onion powder can also be used as a simple seasoning.
Smoked paprika – Smoked paprika adds a touch of smokiness along with a slight spicy kick. It brings an extra dimension of flavor to Brussels sprouts.
Thyme – Thyme has an earthy, subtly minty flavor that complements Brussels sprouts without overpowering their taste. It pairs very well with garlic too.
Rosemary – The pine-like flavor of rosemary balances nicely with Brussels sprouts’ bitterness. A little goes a long way with this herb.
Sage – Savory sage adds woodsy notes. It stands up to Brussels sprouts’ robust flavor.
Nutmeg – A touch of nutmeg enhances the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts. It adds warmth and richness.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon may seem like an unlikely match, but it brings out delicious hints of sweetness in Brussels sprouts.
Cloves – Cloves have a strong, spicy aroma that mellows the bitter edge of Brussels sprouts. They add warmth and complexity.
Mustard seeds – Whole or ground mustard seeds add zingy, spicy flavor. Their pungency cuts through the bitterness of Brussels sprouts.
Curry powder – The blend of spices like coriander, turmeric, cumin, and fenugreek gives curry powder a unique flavor that complements Brussels sprouts very well.
Tips for Cooking Brussels Sprouts
Here are some tips to cook Brussels sprouts so they are delicious and not bitter:
– Cut Brussels sprouts in half – This helps them cook faster and more evenly for tender, caramelized sprouts.
– Roast them – Roasting brings out Brussels sprouts’ sweetness. Toss halved sprouts with oil, spices, salt, and pepper and spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for 20-30 minutes.
– Saute or stir fry – Cooking sprouts over high heat like sautéing or stir-frying helps reduce bitterness. Add garlic, onion, or other spices near the end.
– Blanche briefly – Boil sprouts for just 1 minute, then shock in an ice bath. This helps retain color and makes seasonings stick better.
– Avoid overcooking – Overcooked Brussels turn olive green and very bitter. Keep sprouts al dente.
– Balance with acid – Add a squeeze of lemon juice or mix in something acidic like balsamic vinegar to balance out bitterness.
– Sweeten with maple syrup or brown sugar – A small amount of sweetener goes a long way in tempering bitterness.
– Cook with bacon or pancetta – The saltiness and smokiness help cut bitter notes.
– Toss with mustard vinaigrette – The tang of mustard dressing cuts bitterness.
Spice Combinations for Brussels Sprouts
Here are some recommended spice combinations to use with Brussels sprouts:
Garlic, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, salt, pepper – This simple Mediterranean blend enhances Brussels sprouts’ flavor beautifully.
Garam masala, cumin, coriander – These Indian spices add warm flavor and aroma to sprouts.
Paprika, cumin, chili powder – For a smoky, spicy Tex-Mex twist.
Curry powder, ginger, coriander – Curry complements Brussels sprouts wonderfully.
Nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon – For a sweet-tart flavor profile.
Mustard seed, caraway, bay leaf – Mustard seed adds the perfect pungent note.
Garlic, onion, soy sauce, sesame oil – For an Asian-inspired umami flavor.
Pancetta, parsley, parmesan – Savory, salty flavors balance bitterness.
Orange zest, pecans, cranberries – For a holiday twist. The citrus and nuts pair nicely.
Best Spice Blends for Brussels Sprouts
Premade spice blends are an easy way to add lots of flavor to Brussels sprouts. Here are some excellent store-bought or homemade blends to try:
– Italian seasoning – The blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and other Italian herbs is fantastic with Brussels sprouts.
– Herbes de Provence – Includes thyme, savory, fennel seed, basil and more – a great complement to Brussels sprouts.
– Jerk seasoning – The spicy kick of Jamaican jerk seasoning is a tasty match for sprouts.
– Harissa – For those who like some heat, North African harissa paste lends delicious flavor.
– Ras el hanout – This North African blend has over a dozen spices that create incredible depth of flavor.
– Pumpkin pie spice – Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice lend autumnal flavors.
– Garam masala – This Indian blend has warming spices like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper.
– Chinese five spice – The anise-y five spice powder adds intrigue to Brussels sprouts.
Best Cooking Methods for Spiced Brussels Sprouts
Here are some excellent cooking methods to try for getting the most flavor out of spiced Brussels sprouts:
– Roast – Toss halved sprouts with olive oil and desired spices. Roast at 400°F 20-30 minutes until caramelized.
– Sauté – Cook sprouts over medium-high heat in oil or butter with seasonings. Stir frequently until browned.
– Grill – Toss sprouts in oil and spices. Grill in a grill basket over medium heat 10-15 minutes until charred.
– Stir fry – Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add sprouts and stir fry 4-6 minutes. Add garlic, spices, and sauce at the end.
– Bake – Toss seasoned sprouts with breadcrumbs or parmesan then bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until crispy.
– Steam – Steam sprouts 5 minutes until bright green. Toss with spices and olive oil.
– Air fry – Air frying helps sprouts get crispy and caramelized while using less oil. Toss with seasoning and air fry 400°F 10-12 minutes.
– Soup – Simmer sprouts in broth with potatoes, garlic, onions, and choice of spices. Puree for a creamy soup.
Best Side Dishes and Main Dishes for Spiced Brussels Sprouts
Here are some delicious side dishes and main courses that are complemented by spiced Brussels sprouts:
Side Dishes:
– Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, sweet potato
– Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous pilaf
– Sauteed greens like kale, spinach, or green beans
– Roasted squash or baked sweet potato
– Herb-roasted mushrooms or asparagus
Main Dishes:
– Pork chops with garlic, thyme, lemon Brussels sprouts
– Roasted chicken with curry spiced sprouts
– Steak with chimichurri Brussels sprouts
– Shrimp stir fry with ginger sesame Brussels sprouts
– Shepherd’s pie with spicy harissa spiced sprouts
– Pasta primavera with Brussels sprouts and Italian herbs
– Veggie fried rice with five spice Brussels sprouts
– Salmon with pecan crusted Brussels sprouts
Serving Ideas for Flavorful Brussels Sprouts
Here are some tasty ideas for serving up flavor-packed seasoned Brussels sprouts:
– As a salad topper – add to greens, roasted veggies, or grain bowls
– In frittatas, omelets, or quiche
– On flatbreads or pizza
– In tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or fajitas
– In pasta dishes – with olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs
– In sandwiches, wraps, or paninis
– As a soup topper or mix-in
– As a side to eggs, baked fish, chicken, or steak
– In stir fries and fried rice
– In breakfast hashes with potatoes and eggs
Conclusion
Cooking Brussels sprouts with the right spices makes all the difference in drawing out their natural sweet, nutty essence. Garlic, onions, thyme, rosemary, mustard seed, curry powder, and cinnamon are some great spices to use. Try roasting, sautéing, or stir frying spiced Brussels sprouts and serve them alongside roasted meats, chicken dishes, pastas, or as a topping to flatbreads, grain bowls, and more. With the right spices and cooking techniques, you can turn Brussels sprouts from bitter to delicious.