Brussels sprouts are making a comeback: Try them in soup, meatballs, and meatloaf

Brussels sprouts are a vegetable typical of the colder part of the year and can be found in the garden even when most other vegetables are gone. In the kitchen, we don't have to prepare them only boiled for the main meal. Brussels sprouts can be stewed, baked, fried or blended, and depending on how you prepare them, they can be used to create a simple lunch, a side dish or part of a hearty meal.

How to make Brussels sprouts not bitter

The typical bitterness of Brussels sprouts is caused by naturally occurring substances that protect the plant from pests. However, you can significantly reduce their taste with proper preparation. Before cooking, remove the yellowed outer leaves and the harder part of the stalk. When cooking, you can briefly pre-boil the sprouts and drain the water. A pinch of salt, a few drops of lemon or baking in the oven, which will give them a pleasantly crispy edge, will also help. A short freeze can also soften the taste.

Brussels sprout soups

Brussels sprouts are great for both vegetable and heartier soups. You can leave smaller florets whole, cut larger ones, or blend the cabbage into a creamy soup. It goes well with potatoes, root vegetables, mushrooms, and smoked meat. Depending on the other ingredients, you can make a lighter vegetable soup or a hearty dish that will warm you up on colder days.

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a classic

Braised Brussels sprouts are a traditional way of preparing them. The cooked florets are combined with a delicate sauce made from stock, broth or cream. The result is a simple dish that is great served with boiled potatoes or as a side dish to roast meat. It also tastes good with nutmeg.

You can also make meatballs from Brussels sprouts.

Brussels sprouts can be the basis for delicious vegetable meatballs. First, boil the florets briefly, let them drain, and then chop them finely or blend them. Combine the mixture with an egg and breadcrumbs, add onion, garlic, and grated cheese or herbs to taste. You can fry the shaped meatballs in a pan until golden brown, or bake them in the oven. You can serve them with boiled potatoes, a vegetable salad, or just with your favorite dip.

Brussels sprouts also go well with meat

Brussels sprouts can be a meal on their own, but they also work well as a side dish for meat. They go great with pork and smoked meats, and they also go great with bacon. You can bake them with potatoes, meat, and cheese, or prepare them with a cream sauce or béchamel.

Brussels sprouts are not only tasty, but also nutritious vegetables, a source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Thanks to their versatility, you can prepare them a little differently each time and gradually find the form in which you like them the most. Our video recipe for pork shoulder on onions with Brussels sprouts can also be an inspiration.