Brussels Sprouts
with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette
This recipe is a featured recipe from the book P. Allen Smith's Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.
Brussels sprouts are said to have been cultivated as far back as the thirteenth century in the vicinity of Brussels, Belgium, and have carried that name ever since. I've always been taken with how the vegetable looks like Thumbelina-size cabbages. The plant has a tall stem on which many tiny heads, or sprouts, form.Its cousins, green and red cabbages, make one large head at the top of a short stem, but if you cut the head of a common cabbage from the plant, numerous tiny heads will grow from the remaining stem, in much the same manner as Brussels sprouts.
Some people find the assertive flavor of this vegetable unpleasant, but I've discovered that more often than not, the naysayers have had the unfortunate experience of eating Brussels sprouts when they were overcooked, which is the cause of that bitter taste. Prepared properly, they are wonderfully sweet and nutty, and they take well to being steamed, roasted, or sautéed.
If you are among those who are on the fence about the flavor of Brussels sprouts, this recipe might just give you that needed nudge.
Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coarse-grained mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ cup olive oil
- Cracked black pepper to taste
Directions
- Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water, and set it aside.
- Trim the bottoms of the Brussels sprouts, discarding the outer leaves.
- Cut a ¼-inch-deep X in the stem end of each sprout (to ensure even cooking).
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook them!
- Plunge the sprouts into the ice water to stop the cooking, and then drain them in a colander.
- Whisk the vinegars, maple syrup, mustard, salt, nutmeg, olive oil, and pepper in a medium bowl until thick and smooth. Add the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. Transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl, and serve at room temperature.
- The Brussels sprouts can be cooked and the vinaigrette prepared in advance. Just reheat the sprouts in boiling water or in the microwave, and then toss them with the vinaigrette.
olesholman@gmail.com says:
I love this vegetable but my children don't so it is always fun to find a new recipe I can try. Thanks so much.
January 17, 2011 02:12am
fwong52ut@yahoo.com says:
Brussel sprouts are one of my favorite foods! But my husband doesn't like them unless they are "doctored up." This recipe with its maple-mustard vinaigrette is the perfect solution! An absolutely delicious way to serve them!
January 15, 2011 08:27pm
mlorigan says:
Oh my, the vinaigrette is so good. I'm always looking for ways to add veggies that are not our favorite to the menu; we have a winner. I believe this vinaigrette will also replace my regular oil/vinegar for salad.
January 15, 2011 07:06pm
voodoo120 says:
What a great recipe for brussel sprouts, it is hard to find different and delicious recipes for them.
January 15, 2011 05:38pm
lidia521 says:
I just loved the recipe,it's easy to prepare and tastes great,I must confess that I didn't like brussel sprouts,I used to over cook them . From now on,I will include them in my diet more often.
January 15, 2011 11:47am
vcountryman@verizon.net says:
Have enjoyed brussel sprouts in many tempting ways, but this recipe definitely sprints the sprouts to the head of the vegie file
... and too, hereafter, an "X" in very stem bottom.
January 14, 2011 12:31am
jads60@gmail.com says:
jads60 We love brussel sprouts and it was good to have a healthier and very tasty receipe to make them even more enjoyable. The
grandkids will also enjoy this new way. Thanks
January 13, 2011 10:30pm
FanofPAllen says:
My wife made this, offering me just one Brussel's Sprout, saying, "Have a ball!" I did-- Yum! I have high cholesterol, & my doc says this recipe can help. I hate most fruit & veggies, but I promise to try one new recipe from your cookbook every week.
January 13, 2011 04:07pm
vtgreeley says:
Due to the way my French mother caramelized brussel sprouts they have always been one of my favorite vegetable-even as a kid! You're recipe is simple yet tastey and with the sweet vinaigrette it elevates their flavor to a new level.
January 13, 2011 01:49pm
vanwink@realtracs.com says:
I ejoy growing brussell sprouts as much as eating them. Thank you so much for this easy and delicious recipe, the flavors work so well together.
January 13, 2011 11:26am
marcellecady says:
Who doesn't love brussels sprouts? My husband for one! But this recipe has changed his taste - he loved it.
January 13, 2011 11:10am
rgcalong@centurytel.net says:
my husband and i love brussel sprouts to begin with so this recipe was wonderful a new way to enjoy them it was delicious thanks for coming up with this recipe paul , carolyn long
January 13, 2011 09:46am
cubbysmom says:
I Love Brussel sprouts and often try to think of new ways to make them, this recipe captures all the flavors of the pallet, with the balsomic, mustard and maple flavors added to the rich flavor of the sprouts...it sounds heavenly...!
January 12, 2011 09:48pm
sandraperpetuashields@msn.com says:
It was hard to decide which recipe to choose because all three sound delicious, but I'm going to go with the Brussel Sprouts because I'm a big vegetable eater & I love brussel sprouts!!! I will however try all three of these recipes. Thank you :)
January 12, 2011 05:45pm
drfrn40 says:
Growing up, I wanted to run the other way when Brussels sprouts were put on the dinner table. They were the frozen variety with just a little salt and pepper. This recipe makes me LOVE Brussels Sprouts!
January 12, 2011 05:38pm
soyarra says:
I first tasted brussel sprouts on a Christmas trip to London (where they are on every table) and learned to love this much-maligned vegetable. They stand up to strong flavors and sweetness, so this recipe is perfect.
January 12, 2011 03:36pm
LadyBug99 says:
This winter, I have re-discovered brussels sprouts and have been trying various new recipes. We love them roasted. Can't wait to try them with maple and mustard vinaigrette - what a way to gussy up the humble sprout!
January 12, 2011 01:46pm
twrjkh@aol.com says:
The recipe was delicious! Having grown Brussel sprouts for the first time last summer, I have tried several different ways to prepare them, especially love them oven roasted with flavored olive oils. Your recipe is a keeper.
January 12, 2011 12:24pm
les clark says:
M'm good! Now that I know the secret to cooking them correctly, everyone in our large family is asking for brussel sprouts almost daily! Its a good thing they grow so well in our garden.
January 12, 2011 12:08pm
Lrn2grw says:
Brussel sprouts...the dreaded childhood vegetable that was hidden in pants pockets or stared at until bedtime. This recipe adds a flavorful twist and simple elegance for any child or adult.
January 12, 2011 11:59am
mahrle says:
I don't have time to grow my own, but my grocery has them on the stem. I get maple syrup from Vermont., I add finely chopped nuts. That's as fresh as it gets!!!
January 12, 2011 11:27am
tapestryofcolor@yahoo.com says:
Allen, I just love brussel sprouts. I like the addition of maple flavoring, I think that sounds perfect. Can't wait to try out the recipe and see if my husband will eat them more! ~Ginny~
January 12, 2011 10:28am
jpgp@mc.net says:
Our family absolutely loves brussel sprouts. We tried this recipe with baked instead of boiled sprouts and it was yummy with the hint of mustard. I'm going to try this with steamed radishes also - should be great.
January 12, 2011 10:17am
fordcoupe37@yahoo.com says:
sorry i didnt care for this . just thinking its brussel sprouts .!
January 12, 2011 08:58am
scarecrow13t says:
I took your recipe on sprouts a step furthe by inserting wedges of elephant garlic into the base of each sprout and topping them with grated cheese.Itwas the talk at the dinner table as my guests forgot to thank me for the great meal, only the sprouts!
January 11, 2011 11:10pm
nola says:
Brussel sprouts are wonderful, but I often neglect to serve them. This recipe combines ingredients that make will really bring out the flavor. I plant a yearly garden and brussel sprouts will be in it this year.
January 11, 2011 10:27pm
NJ says:
Even though I know Brussell Sprouts are good for us, I always hated the bitter taste - now I know they were just over cooked! Thanks for educating me in the kitchen as you have done in the garden. I would LOVE to get a free copy of your new book.
January 11, 2011 10:17pm
lwood10108 says:
Brussel Sprouts are the best at anytime and when you combined them with maple syrup and mustard is to be everlasting wonderful eating. Thank you so much for having the forsight in all the areas that you do. You are wonderful. :)
January 11, 2011 09:40pm
jvbrick0121 says:
I am pleased to find the solution to my age old problem with "bowling balls". Improper cooking procedure. The nutmeg adds an extra sophisticated touch to the recipe.
January 11, 2011 07:50pm
partycake42 says:
I love brussel sprouts but have always eaten them plain. The sauce adds nice flavor. Thanks for the great alternative to plain. This is great!
January 11, 2011 06:50pm
ldoman3 says:
I love this recipe best not because of the recipe itself, but because of the charming introductory remarks..."Thumbelina-sized cabbages" may indeed be the nudge I need to try what looks like a wonderful recipe!
January 11, 2011 05:30pm
BunnyOne says:
This vinaigrette sounds delicious for Brussels sprouts, but I also want to try it on other vegetables!
January 11, 2011 05:15pm
rivermaddy@aol.com says:
I dared to prepare the Brussels Sprouts recipe for four family members who were Sprouts haters. Voila - one maple/vinagrette recipe
later they are believers. What a joy - what enthusiasm. Thank you - River Maddy
January 11, 2011 04:19pm
fsoaklawn says:
The sweet-sour taste of the vinaigrette really enhances the flavor of the brussells sprouts.
January 11, 2011 03:34pm
nitajayne@kinzua.net says:
Brussel sprouts used to make me gag; hated the smell of them cooking. Now I crave them. This combination of flavors enhances all the wonderfulness of this wee edible miracle. I steam mine though......X-cellent recipe !
January 11, 2011 02:18pm
bracinfan@excite.com says:
I joined for the great gardening tips; I stayed for the recipes. I love the help fixing delicious foods from the fruit of my labors! Thank you.
January 11, 2011 01:41pm
Annmarie says:
I love brussel sprouts,maple sryrup.Great recipe.Delicious.
January 11, 2011 10:15am
iseark says:
One of my favorite comfort foods, made even more comforting. Your blend of flavors make it even more "warming" for those chilly days when I harvest my sprouts.
January 11, 2011 09:05am
scawley says:
Love these guys, always looking for new recipes and loved this one, sweet and delicious new way to serve them.
January 11, 2011 08:59am
mopfer2003@yahoo.com says:
Always looking for another great recipes for brussel spouts, one of my favorite foods. Great!
January 11, 2011 08:56am
autumn46 says:
Down in Louisiana, its hard to change from your regular rice, beans, meat and gravy, but I tried your brussel sprout recipe and really, really liked it....will be replacing the rice from time to time with your brussel sprout recipe.
January 11, 2011 08:40am
scrapperdeb says:
Tried brussels sprouts once over 30 years ago. It would be interesting to try them again using your recipe. It actually sounds tasty!
January 11, 2011 08:15am
casper3klc says:
I GROW THESE LITTLE GUYS and my family is hooked on dilled burssel sprouts in our cocktails....But now we have a NEW way to prepare the healthy side dish. I know the maple syrup will be a hit!
January 11, 2011 08:12am
shirleycole7 says:
shirleycole7 says:
I have loved growing these in my garden, as a simple cook of German backround, I'm a meat and patatoe cook. Your recipes stretch me and I like to try them because I usually have everything I need in my kitchen. Thank you.
January 11, 2011 07:52am
Breila@rocketmail.com says:
Brussel Sprouts have become our new favorite vegetable. My kids love them roasted. Adding the vinaigrette makes them very classey and company worthy for our wedding anniversary dinner the week of the 17th of January. Thank you for such a great recipe.
January 11, 2011 02:39am
redhawk says:
This recipe was simply delicious!!! I had not tried brussel sprouts in a while. I will be eting them again.
January 11, 2011 01:00am
tmusichans@gmail.com says:
i ADORE brussels sprouts!! this will be a wonderful addition to my brussels sprouts recipe collection. i have to have them at least once a month. can't wait to try this recipe this week! muchas gracias!
January 10, 2011 11:49pm
tammy.dugan says:
Ever hear, "something that tastes this good can't be good for you?" Not these brussels! As part of the family of dark green cancer fighting vegetables, this recipe is loaded with nutrition and as for taste, it has an "addictive" quality to it.
January 10, 2011 11:46pm
gklindt says:
THANK YOU!! From a true brussel sprout lover. This is a great blend of DELICIOUSNESS!!
January 10, 2011 11:37pm
jinngo69 says:
As a fan of Brussels Sprouts, I was excited to try a new recipe...
And, as I served it to an unsuspecting friend, they decided that Brussels Sprouts weren't as bad as they had thought they were. Thanks for helping a friend...More to go!
January 10, 2011 11:35pm
flybabymom says:
I LOVE Brussels Sprouts, and so do my husband & son. I'm always looking for new ways to serve them, so I'm looking forward to trying this recipe. Of the 3 recipes Allen mentioned in the contest, I'm picking this as my favorite because I'm vegan!
January 10, 2011 11:18pm
joellenroe says:
I love Brussels sprouts because I like the way they taste -- and they are cute, too. But my husband turns up his nose. This recipe just might be the bridge that connects us in mutual liking of this healthy green vegetable.
January 10, 2011 11:00pm
Pookha says:
Thanks! I'm always looking for something that uses Brussels Sprouts!
January 10, 2011 10:28pm
Dani & cats says:
Born in the "Old world of Germany" , remembering steamed Brussel Sprouts in wintertime , delicious spicy - moving to the "New world - USA"- meeting maple syrup , a winter gem - delicious sweet !- The combination of both : simply the best !
January 10, 2011 09:44pm
virnan says:
I like recipes for foods that are really nutritious - such as Brussels sprouts! This one looks really good and I am anxious to try it.
January 10, 2011 09:38pm
pgagolf says:
Nothing completes Christmas dinner like brussel sprouts. Thought I had a good recipe till I tried this one. The balance of sweet and sour gave it a pleasing taste. My family agrees so this is the new recipe for the next holiday.
January 10, 2011 09:29pm
jzoller says:
I have always thought brussel sprouts got a bad rap..I love these little garden cuties, love to grow them and cook them...I love the sweet and the nip of nutmeg in this recipe...wonderful flavorful recipe...
January 10, 2011 08:53pm
mastergardener says:
After reading all of the great comments above, I am at a loss for words, almost! Simply, wonderful recipe, Allen.
January 10, 2011 08:51pm
socksb49 says:
I love brussel sprouts any way you can cook them. This recipe was delicious. Thank you P. Allen Smith. I have also passed this along to my family members.
January 10, 2011 08:50pm
Frazeesj says:
This looks delicious! I can't wait to try it :)
January 10, 2011 08:38pm
Vickiegodwin says:
Wow, with these zippy ingredients my sodium free/low sodium dieting husband finds this one a winner. We leave out the salt and there you go! BINGO!
January 10, 2011 08:28pm
oakvalee@hbci.com says:
Brussel Sprouts provide a nutritional bang for your buck!! They are simply a very easy food to prepare and this recipe offers a new taste treat!! This is a "good for you, old fashioned comfort food with a new twist on flavors" ! Enjoy!!
January 10, 2011 08:25pm
Malika says:
I have not tried this as yet, however ~ just reading the recipe and closing my eyes, I can imagine the delightful piquint taste of these in my mouth ! Perfect compliment to distinct taste of the Brussel sprouts! Nummy
January 10, 2011 08:09pm
Alycia Orndorff says:
I LOVE brussels sprouts, but even more than I love brussels sprouts, I LOVE recipes that I can actually use!!! I have everything on hand and with three kids, I can't spend 3 hours making dinner. Thanks for this awesome recipe!
January 10, 2011 08:03pm
flowergarden says:
This is a fantastic recipe ! It uses a healthy green veggie and the mixture of maple syrup, nutmeg, and balsamic vinegar is an unusual comb, but it tastes so good. Plus, it's easy to prepare! This is a keeper. Thanks for sharing.
January 10, 2011 07:43pm
jayz says:
SIMPLE. I LOVE BRUSSELS SPROUTS! USUALLY FIX WITH MELTED CHEESE! I'M 72 and LIKE SIMPLE THINGS!!!!!! SIMPLY SIMPLE!!
January 10, 2011 07:43pm
JCool says:
This recipe is nothing short of delectable... It has it all, a treat for your eyes, health and taste-buds! ...Vivid Green Color, Wonderful Texture, Fresh, Crisp, Sweet, Flavorsome, Nutritious! Buon Appetito!
January 10, 2011 07:42pm
lmurphy49 says:
My 15 year old granddaughter loves brussel sprouts. At every family gathering she has to have her brussel sprouts. Maybe with this recipe she won't be the only one eating them.
January 10, 2011 07:22pm
biglady8 says:
This recipe made me sooo very hungry! I love brussel sprouts! Can hardly wait to try this recipe.
Love your website & tv show.
January 10, 2011 07:20pm
gladpuppy1@prodigy.net says:
We get stalks of fresh sprouts in our CSA holiday share, so to me they call to mind the bounty of fall as the year winds down, while the maple syrup makes me think of springtime. You've managed to turn sprouts into a sweet and savory comfort food. Yummy!
January 10, 2011 07:02pm
kapila says:
we did not like brussel sprouts till few years ago when i cooked them fresh from the garden. your receipe sounds good and i will try it.
January 10, 2011 06:50pm
dns6a@aol.com says:
I absolutely love brussel sprouts and know they are very good for you. We eat them often! This recipe sounds awesome and cannot wait to try it soon. The ingredients added sound delicious...Thank you so much P. Allen for sharing this :)
January 10, 2011 06:33pm
jimb96 says:
It appears to be easy and quick to fix, sounds too good to be true. I think a single fellow like me just might master this one...what is coarse grain mustard..nutmeg? OK, so I'm not a chef..I need a receipt book for dummies.:-)
January 10, 2011 06:32pm
granbright@aol.com says:
This is a great recipe. Brussel sprouts are so good for you and this is a terrific way to serve them.
January 10, 2011 06:30pm
sumatrad says:
This recipe was simply delicious. The maple vinaigrette made the pungent aroma of brussels sprout worth it!
January 10, 2011 06:30pm
tdunn says:
As a child I could't stand them. As a gardener I truly appreciate Brussels Sprouts being one of the last gems of the previous growing season. The combination of ingredients in your recipe sound terrific. Great indicator for the rest of the book.
January 10, 2011 06:27pm
richaskerl says:
love brussel sprouts! will have to try this one
January 10, 2011 06:20pm
iamari41@hotmail.com says:
This recipe got my family's "SEAL OF APPROVAL" for tastiness, healthfullness, and simplicity. I halved the sprouts so the dressing could cling to more surface area. So very delicious!
January 10, 2011 06:07pm
Missy1957 says:
I just happened to have all of the ingredients on hand for this wonderful recipe. It was delicious and all gone, sorry no leftovers!
January 10, 2011 06:01pm
Skinny says:
I love Brussel Sprouts but Allen's recipe adds another layer of flavor that is unbelievable. I eat sprouts at least three times a week.
January 10, 2011 05:57pm
gstoykovich@sisna.com says:
The much-maligned Brussels Sprout is given a delicious New Years's dress!!!!! I love these wonderful little gems but I must admit that this recipe make them sounds even more delicious, if that's possible!!!!!
January 10, 2011 05:49pm
CHDinsmore says:
I love brussels Sprouts I've always ate them with cheese. I heard about this recipe I had to try it cause it sounded so good and it was.
January 10, 2011 05:35pm