Ah, Brussels sprouts—unsung heroes of the vegetable world, often met with undeserved skepticism, yet they hold so much potential. Imagine a chilly autumn evening and the comforting aroma of honey and balsamic swirling through your kitchen, transforming these humble sprouts into irresistible little gems. And, if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself sneaking a few straight from the pan, because who could possibly wait until they hit the table?
Steps
- Pan-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes: Place bone-in chicken breasts on a bed of Brussels sprouts seasoned with lemon and garlic, along with quartered red potatoes. Roast everything together until the chicken is cooked through. This dish offers a delicious balance of flavors with minimal hands-on time.
- Kielbasa with Brussels Sprouts in Mustard Cream Sauce: Combine kielbasa with Brussels sprouts, white beans, and a mustard cream sauce in a skillet. Cook until the ingredients meld into a harmonious dish. The saltiness of the pork and the crunch of the sprouts create a balanced, budget-friendly meal.
- Brussels Sprout Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti and toss it with sautéed Brussels sprouts, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and tahini paste. This vegan dish is flavorful and satisfying, appealing even to meat-eaters. Serve as a comforting fall meal.
- Brussels Sprouts and Feta Pastry Roll: Roll out puff pastry and fill it with a mixture of Brussels sprouts, walnuts, almonds, and feta cheese. Bake until golden brown, resulting in a crispy appetizer or vegetarian main dish. It’s an elegant and tasty option for any occasion.
- Brussels Sprouts ‘n Gnocchi: Thinly slice Brussels sprouts and sauté them with prepared gnocchi, chopped onions, and minced garlic in olive oil. Finish with lemon juice and red pepper flakes for a bright flavor. This quick one-skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Brussels Sprouts Pizza: Pan fry Brussels sprouts with garlic and pancetta, then toss with mozzarella cheese and fennel seeds. Spread this mixture over pizza crust and bake. The combination of flavors makes a gourmet pizza that’s sure to please.
- Autumn Rainbow Sheet Pan Dinner: Marinate chicken breasts and arrange them on a sheet pan with butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, baby carrots, and apple cubes. Roast until everything is tender and cooked through. This dish is versatile and adaptable to various vegetables.
- Chef John’s Irish Pork Stew: Cook cubed pork shoulder with dark beer, balsamic vinegar, caraway seed, and Brussels sprouts. Serve over mashed potatoes for a hearty stew full of flavor and texture. The Brussels sprouts add a unique twist to the dish.
- Chicken, Apple, and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner: Arrange chicken, apple slices, and Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan and roast until the chicken is cooked. This simple meal is easy to clean up and can be served with rice or salad.
- Ranch-Baked Chicken Thighs with Bacon, Brussels Sprouts, and Potatoes: Season chicken thighs with ranch seasoning and bake them with potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and bacon. The bacon infuses the vegetables with a rich flavor, creating a savory one-pan dinner.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Kielbasa: Roast Polish sausage with Brussels sprouts and paprika for a smoky, quick, and easy meal. This dish is perfect for a fuss-free dinner with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken breasts
- Brussels sprouts
- Red potatoes, quartered
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Kielbasa (Polish sausage)
- White beans
- Mustard
- Spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Capers
- Tahini paste
- Puff pastry
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Feta cheese
- Gnocchi
- Onion, chopped
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fennel seed
- Pancetta
- Pizza crust
- Chicken breasts
- Butternut squash
- Baby carrots
- Apple, cubed
- Pork shoulder, cubed
- Dark beer
- Balsamic vinegar
- Caraway seed
- Mashed potatoes
- Chicken thighs
- Bacon
- Ranch seasoning
- Smoked paprika
FAQ
- What are some tips for cooking Brussels sprouts in one-pot meals?
- To ensure Brussels sprouts are cooked perfectly in one-pot meals, try slicing them thinly for quicker cooking, or roasting them to bring out their natural sweetness. Pair them with complementary flavors like garlic, lemon, or even pancetta for added depth.
- Can Brussels sprouts be used in vegetarian dishes?
- Absolutely! Brussels sprouts are versatile and can be the star in vegetarian dishes. For example, they can be combined with nuts and feta in pastry rolls, or tossed with spaghetti and capers for a flavorful vegan meal.
- What meats pair well with Brussels sprouts in these recipes?
- Brussels sprouts pair excellently with a variety of meats such as chicken, kielbasa, and pork. Their slightly bitter flavor complements the saltiness of meats like bacon and sausage, and they also work well with roasted chicken for a balanced meal.
- How can I make Brussels sprouts appealing to kids?
- To make Brussels sprouts more appealing to children, try incorporating them into familiar dishes like pizza. When combined with ingredients like mozzarella and pancetta, and seasoned with fennel and chili flakes, they can be a hit even with picky eaters.
- Are there any quick and easy Brussels sprouts recipes for busy weeknights?
- Yes, there are several quick and easy recipes featuring Brussels sprouts that are perfect for busy weeknights. Options like the Brussels Sprouts ‘n Gnocchi or the Chicken, Apple, and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes and require minimal cleanup.
Tips
- When preparing Pan-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes, consider making extra Brussels sprouts as they are a family favorite and offer great flavor with minimal effort.
- For the Brussels Sprouts ‘n Gnocchi, enhance the dish’s flavors by squeezing fresh lemon juice and adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten it up.
- When making Brussels Sprouts Pizza, try adding a few red chili flakes before serving to give it a subtle kick and encourage kids to enjoy their Brussels sprouts.
- In the Ranch-Baked Chicken Thighs with Bacon, Brussels Sprouts, and Potatoes, placing bacon on top of the vegetables allows them to absorb the bacon’s savory flavor, making the dish even more delicious.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – For sheet pan dinners like the Autumn Rainbow Sheet Pan Dinner and Chicken, Apple, and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner.
- Skillet/Frying Pan – Needed for recipes like Brussels Sprouts ‘n Gnocchi and Brussels Sprouts Pizza.
- Roasting Pan – For recipes such as Pan-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes.
- Pastry Baking Sheet – For making Brussels Sprouts and Feta Pastry Roll.
- Puff Pastry Dough – If not typically stocked at home for the Brussels Sprouts and Feta Pastry Roll.
