Nutty Brussels Sprouts

Nutty Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Hazelnuts and Cardamom

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Nutty Brussels Sprouts is a delicious and nutritious side dish that combines the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts with the nuttiness of almonds and the warm spice of cardamom. This recipe is a great way to add some variety to your vegetable side dishes and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Brussels sprouts have been enjoyed for centuries, with records of them being cultivated in Belgium as far back as the 13th century. This recipe takes the classic Brussels sprout and gives it a modern twist by adding toasted almonds and ground cardamom for a unique and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) small brussels sprouts
1 tsp virgin olive oil
8 toasted hazelnuts or almonds, chopped
0.13 tsp ground cardamom

How to prepare

Wash the Brussels sprouts and trim off the bottoms of the stems and any loose leaves.
Steam the sprouts over boiling water until they are tender, which should take around 7 to 10 minutes.
Remove the sprouts from the steamer and transfer them to a serving bowl. Stir in the olive oil, nuts, and cardamom.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Substitute walnuts or pecans for the almonds for a different nutty twist.
Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim the bottoms of the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose leaves before steaming them.

- Steam the sprouts until they are just tender, being careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.

- Toasting the almonds before chopping them will enhance their nutty flavor and add a nice crunch to the dish.

- The ground cardamom adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish, so be sure to use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Nutty Brussels Sprouts can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty vegetarian main course.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the Brussels sprouts helps to retain their nutrients and natural flavor, while also keeping them tender and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have almonds on hand, you can substitute with walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts. You can also use olive oil or butter in place of the virgin olive oil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can trim and steam the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to finish the dish. Just be sure to add the olive oil, nuts, and cardamom right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Nutty Brussels Sprouts in a decorative serving bowl garnished with a sprinkle of chopped almonds or a sprig of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Nutty Brussels Sprouts pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty vegetable stir-fry. It also makes a great addition to a holiday feast or potluck dinner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Nutty Brussels Sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or steam until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nutty Brussels Sprouts contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nutty Brussels Sprouts contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nutty Brussels Sprouts contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Nutty Brussels Sprouts contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Brussels sprouts are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They also contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, potassium, and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains tree nuts (almonds) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Nutty Brussels Sprouts is a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and carbohydrates, but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Nutty Brussels Sprouts is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a combination of tender Brussels sprouts, crunchy almonds, and warm cardamom, this dish is sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the ways of the kitchen from my own mother. We were visiting a distant relative in the countryside, and I remember walking into the warm and cozy kitchen where the sweet aroma of cooking filled the air.

Aunt Ruth was bustling about, preparing a feast for the family. I stood by her side, watching intently as she chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and seasoned dishes with a deft hand. She caught my curious gaze and smiled, beckoning me closer.

"Would you like to learn how to make something special today, dear?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I nodded eagerly, eager to learn whatever she was willing to teach me.

She reached for a bag of fresh Brussels sprouts and handed them to me, along with a handful of walnuts and a bottle of balsamic vinegar. "These are the key ingredients for Nutty Brussels Sprouts," she explained. "A dish that has been in our family for generations. Would you like to give it a try?"

I nodded enthusiastically, eager to impress my aunt with my budding culinary skills. She guided me through the process, showing me how to trim the sprouts, toast the walnuts, and dress the dish with a tangy balsamic glaze. The final result was a dish that was both delicious and nutritious, a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Aunt Ruth regaled me with stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The dish had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I was fascinated by the idea of a recipe with such a rich history, and I knew that I wanted to carry on the tradition in my own family. Aunt Ruth saw the spark of determination in my eyes and smiled knowingly.

"Remember, dear," she said, patting my hand affectionately. "Cooking is more than just following a recipe. It's about sharing the love and memories that go into each dish. That's what makes it truly special."

And so, with Aunt Ruth's guidance, I learned how to make Nutty Brussels Sprouts that day. I made sure to write down the recipe in my tattered old notebook, along with a note detailing the special memories that went along with it.

Over the years, I have made Nutty Brussels Sprouts for countless family gatherings, holiday feasts, and dinner parties with friends. Each time, I think back to that day in Aunt Ruth's kitchen and remember the joy of learning something new and delicious.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will cherish it as much as I have. Because cooking isn't just about following instructions – it's about creating lasting memories and traditions that will be passed down through the generations. And that, my dears, is the true magic of the kitchen.