In terms of polarising food choices, Brussels sprouts are right up there with durian fruit and coriander. It may well be for the same reason, too. Just as coriander has been found to taste like soap to people who carry a particular gene, Brussels sprouts apparently morph into sulphur for up to 50 percent of the population.
Well, maybe not sulphur exactly. Just very, very bitter and unpalatable and basically yuck. We've all heard the complaints.
Such a shame for some, but it does mean more Brussels sprouts for those of us who only taste sweet, nutty goodness. Unless you cook them for too long, of course. Then we are totally on board with the whole bitter thing.
Assuming you're not going to overcook these dishes, get ready to bow down in awe. When Brussels sprouts are good, they are positively angelic. Now that's enough to convert even the most adamant Brussels sprout hater.
Adam Liaw knows the best way to treat Brussels sprouts is to douse them in gunpowder. That's the Southern Indian gunpowder spice mix, of course. A good sprinkling of urad dal, chana dal and a bunch of other spices brings out B. Sprout's fiercer side.
Want to know the best way to get on Brussels sprouts' sweet side? Pair them with figs. They won't need much else to taste heaven-scent.
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This well-balanced pilaf adds sour notes from cranberries, sweetness from grapes, freshness from herbs and awesomeness from Brussels sprouts.
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Putting Brussels sprouts on a toastie is admittedly a bit left of centre. But that's what makes this sandwich so good. The Sprouts are gently sautéed until slightly caramelised, bringing out a sweetness that sings to the melted Havarti cheese.
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Boiling is the reason so many people hate Brussels sprouts. Or most vegetables, really. Don't boil them, roast them. This recipe does exactly that with added bacon. Tempted yet?
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Are we pushing our luck by adding kale? You can only imagine that this brassica-laden dish packs a bit of an, er, after-punch. Don't worry, the garlic lemon dressing on this modified Caesar salad adds plenty of acid to knock the brassicas into line.
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Small Brussels sprouts are simply adorable on a skewer. They also add crunch and a hint of bitterness. Note the crunch: this is not the time to cook your Sprouts until soft. Actually, it's never the time to cook your Sprouts until soft...
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Now here's a recipe that anyone who endured Brussels sprouts at Chrismas as a kid might think they know well. They won't, though. While the recipe does break the golden rule of never boiling Sprouts, it's very clear that you only boil them until tender. Not mushy. Not sulphurous. Just until tender.
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A slaw that's made for winter feasting simply has to contain Brussels sprouts. Sliced very thinly and baked, they are crunchy and oh-so-good alongside kale and radicchio.
All hail the Brussels sprout!
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