What’s that thing I saw at the Farmers Market: Brussel Sprouts

Have you ever wandered into the produce booths at the farmers market and seen a vegetable or two (or three) that you did not recognize? I know that I have. Many, in fact, and I consider myself a bit of a foodie and an amateur gardener. And so, I am on a mission this year to learn about and to try a few of those unfamiliar foodstuffs. So what is that thing I saw at the Farmers Market?

What’s that Thing at the Farmers Market

For years this vegetable would elicit a response of pure “yuck” from me.  And I know that I am not the only one. The problem was I had never actually tried one. This poor veggie gets a pretty bad rap.

Yep. The mighty Brussel Sprout.

Last year, after reaching out to my Facebook community, I decided to be brave and give them a try.

What is a Brussel Sprout

Brussel Sprouts are leaf vegetables that resemble miniature cabbages. They are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin K. They are an excellent source of nutrients, including folate, manganese, Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, choline, copper, Vitamin B1, potassium, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Choosing Fresh Brussel Sprouts

When I went looking for them at the market, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Brussel Sprouts grow on stalks, and you can either purchase the entire stalk, or some vendors will cut them off of the stalk for you. The stalks are pretty hard to miss, standing at about two feet tall and pretty sturdy. The Farmer told me that the sprouts would retain their freshness for an extra day or two if you keep them on the stalk. So the inconvenience of cutting them off yourself may be worth it if you need extra time to commit to making them.

Brussel Sprout Recipes

Between last year and this year, I have found several recipes for them that are remarkably delicious. I am happy to share some of them with you.

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

(yes, bacon. The way God intended. Get local farmer bacon while you are at the market. It’s worth it)

• Brussels Sprouts (cut in half)
• two-four slices of bacon cut into little pieces
• olive oil
• two cloves garlic
• two shallots (I have a bad habit of replacing shallots with onion because who has shallots?)
• salt, pepper to taste.

1. Start with your bacon in a cast iron pan on medium. Cook it lightly.
2. Add everything else. Cook until the spouts are brown and crispy.
3. Salt and pepper to taste. (I have a friend who swears by sprinkling cheese on the top at the end.} [Editor’s Note: Maple Syrup on top is also amazing.]

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

• Brussels sprouts (halved)
• olive oil
• two cloves garlic
• half of a small onion or shallots
• Salt/pepper and other favorite seasonings. We love turmeric, salt, pepper and cumin.

1. Douse, and I mean douse, your Brussels sprouts in olive oil.
2. Add everything else and toss.
3. Add it to a baking dish or roasting pan
4. Cook at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until brown and crispy and sizzling.

Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe

It might seem common sense to some, but I was surprised to realize that they are related to cabbage. So Brussels Sprouts work remarkably well in cabbagy (yes, new word) recipes.

• 1.5 lb of shredded/thinly cut Brussels sprouts
• 1 cup roasted pecans
• 1/4 c. maple syrup (don’t you dare use the fake stuff)
• 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 TBSP lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 TBSP sugar
• salt and pepper to taste.

1. Whisk all of the liquid ingredients and seasonings in a small bowl; this is your dressing.
2. Pour the dressing over your chopped sprouts in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.
3. Add nuts.
4. Serve. And you are a goddess.

For another delicious idea, try Heather’s Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts!

Have you ever tried Brussels Sprouts? What’s your tried and true recipe?

Past stories in the “What’s that thing I saw at the Farmer’s Market?”

• Fennel
• Kholrabi

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