Question: How to cook brussel sprouts?
By: BethO
Published: June 7, 2012

I want so much to like brussel sprouts! I have tried them roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper, and bacon crumbs, boiled, and steamed. I have even tried them in vegetable soup and chicken pot pie. They are bitter no matter how I cook them. I have grown my own and have tried fresh store bought. Could someone please help? What am I doing wrong?

Answers:
Sheri Wetherell

Unfortunately, Brussels sprouts are just naturally little bitter creatures :) But, I have found that the smaller ones tend to be less bitter. It helps to pair them with sweeter vegetables/fruits to balance out their strong flavor, and to obtain a nice caramelization on the sprouts when roasting or sauteeing. Try them with some sauteed apples and bacon, or caramelized onions. Then, toss in a little balsamic vinegar in either preparation to deglaze the pan, then add your sauteed sprouts (which should be quartered or halved).
A quick and easy preparation that we also love is to cook halved sprouts in salted water (just shy of sea water salty like you'd cook pasta) until just tender but not fully cooked (nothing worse than soggy sprouts!), then toss them in a high heat saute pan with some olive oil to get them crisp. To serve, toss them with a bit of butter and a good quality Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Hope that helps, and bless you for not giving up on the sprouts! :)
John Westwood

WHY  cook them Fabulous raw  even finely sliced and mixed through a green salad.
 I have  heard but not yet  tried  flash deep fried sprouts and quite  nutty in flavour.
or
Steamed  until just past  firm  and added to  liver, bacon, mashed potatoes  and onion and mushroom gravy  does wonders  for sprouts
BethO

Thank you, John. I am trying to say away from deep fried anything, but I will definitely give the salad try and I love liver and onions!
John Westwood

Last night I saw on Masterchef,(http://www.masterchef.com.au/video.htm?movideo_p=47348   ...... episode segment 3-6 shows the  judging 2-6  shows  some of the cooking ) one of  contestants  using  brussel sprout leaves in a salad  entree.
If  using shredded  sprouts in the salad  be sparing  so you  get a "Mm  what's that ? " rather than overstating  the sprouts
BethO

You are so very kind! Thank you for thinking of me and sending this information. I will defiantly check this out!
I am determined to learn to eat the right foods and take care of myself. I am sure this will be very helpful.
BethO

Thank you, Sheri. I will give your ideas a try!