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Cooking Brussels sprouts – Perfect preparation & tips

Brussels sprouts are a popular winter vegetable. It can be found in kitchens from September to March. With its spicy, nutty taste and only 40 calories per 100g, it is a healthy side dish. Proper preparation preserves the flavor and nutrients.

Brussels sprouts taste best when frozen. They are full of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and iron. The cooking time for fresh Brussels sprouts is 8 to 10 minutes.

Frozen Brussels sprouts also only need 8 to 10 minutes. This is because they are pre-cooked and flash-frozen after harvesting.

Important findings

  • Brussels sprouts are in season from September to March
  • It contains only 40 calories per 100g
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
  • Average cooking time: 8-10 minutes
  • Various preparation methods: boiling, roasting, baking

There are 108 kcal per portion of cooked Brussels sprouts. They contain 22g of carbohydrates, 8g of protein and 1g of fat. Preparation methods such as roasting or baking have different cooking times. Below we take a closer look at the different techniques.

The basics of preparing Brussels sprouts

Fresh Brussels sprouts are great for many dishes. To enjoy them at their best, you need to prepare them properly. From selection to processing, here’s what you need to know.

Choosing the right fresh Brussels sprouts

Choose fresh Brussels sprouts with firm, closed florets. Avoid wilted or yellow leaves. The cut surfaces should be smooth and light in color.

Freshly harvested Brussels sprouts are light green, later dark green. The best time to harvest is from September to March.

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Cleaning and preparing the florets

When cleaning, remove the outer leaves and trim the stalk. Rinse the florets thoroughly under cold water. They will keep in the fridge for 4 days.

To freeze, blanch the florets for 5 minutes. Then dry them well.

Cut the stalk crosswise

When preparing, it is important to cut the stalk. Cut a small cross into the stalk. This ensures that the Brussels sprouts cook evenly.

Preparation method Cooking time (fresh) Cooking time (frozen)
Cooking time 8-12 minutes 10-12 minutes
Pan (halved) 7-10 minutes
Oven 20-25 minutes 25-30 minutes

Cooking Brussels sprouts – methods and cooking times

Brussels sprouts can be prepared in many ways. The cooking time depends on the method and the size of the sprouts. Here are some popular cooking methods and their special features.

Classic cooking method in salted water

When cooked in salted water, Brussels sprouts take 8-12 minutes. Larger sprouts need 1-2 minutes more. You can add a little sugar or milk to make the flavor mild.

This method retains many nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium.

Preparation in the pan

Roasting Brussels sprouts is a delicious alternative. Cut the sprouts in half and roast them over a medium heat for 10-20 minutes. This gives them a delicious roasted flavor and the texture remains crispy.

This method is particularly suitable for smaller quantities.

Roasting in the oven

Roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven gives them an intense aroma. They need about 20-25 minutes at 200°C. You can sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.

This method is ideal for larger quantities and ensures crispy results.

Bake Brussels sprouts

Tips for frozen Brussels sprouts

Frozen Brussels sprouts are often pre-cooked. They only need 10-12 minutes to cook. Alternatively, you can blanch them for 3-5 minutes or cook them in a hot air fryer.

After cooking, toss in butter and refine with nutmeg or flaked almonds.

Preparation method Cooking time Cooking temperature Special features
Cooking time 8-12 minutes Boiling water Nutrient-preserving
Roasting 10-20 minutes Medium heat Crispy texture
Bake 20-25 minutes 200°C Intense flavor
Deep frozen 10-12 minutes Variable Quick preparation

Conclusion

Brussels sprouts are a real winter vegetable gem. It is versatile and rich in nutrients. The right selection and preparation are important for enjoyment.

Fresh florets, properly cleaned and with a cut stalk, are the basis for delicious dishes. There are many ways to prepare them, from boiling to roasting in the oven. Each method brings out special flavors.

Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed in a variety of recipes. Even frozen Brussels sprouts can be delicious with the right tips.

Brussels sprouts are healthy. They are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They aid digestion and can prevent cancer. With only 44 calories per 100 grams, they are low in calories.

Eating Brussels sprouts means enjoying a delicious taste and improving your health.

FAQ

When are Brussels sprouts in season?

Brussels sprouts are available from September to March. They taste best after frost, as this intensifies the flavor.

What nutrients do Brussels sprouts contain?

Brussels sprouts are full of vitamins and minerals. They are high in vitamin C, B vitamins, folic acid, zinc, iron and potassium. With only 40 calories per 100g, they are very low in calories.

How do I recognize fresh Brussels sprouts?

Choose Brussels sprouts with firm, closed florets. Make sure that there are no wilted or yellow leaves. The cut surfaces should be smooth and light in color. Brussels sprouts harvested early are light green, later dark green.

How do I prepare Brussels sprouts correctly?

Remove the outer leaves and shorten the stalk. Cutting the stalk crosswise helps with cooking. This preparation is important for the taste and nutrients.

How long can I keep Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts will keep for about 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them after blanching them for 5 minutes.

How long do I need to cook Brussels sprouts?

Cooking time in salted water is 8-12 minutes, depending on size. Frozen Brussels sprouts need 10-12 minutes as they are pre-cooked.

Can I also fry or bake Brussels sprouts?

Yes, Brussels sprouts can be prepared in a variety of ways. Fry halved sprouts in a pan for 10-12 minutes for a delicious roasted flavor. Roast them in the oven at 200°C for around 20 minutes, optionally sprinkled with Parmesan.

How can I soften the flavor of Brussels sprouts?

To soften the flavor, you can add sugar or milk when cooking. After cooking, toss the Brussels sprouts in butter and season with nutmeg or flaked almonds.

Are there alternatives to the classic cooking method?

Yes, you can also blanch Brussels sprouts (3-5 minutes) or prepare them in a hot air fryer. These methods are quick and preserve the nutrients well.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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