As part of the Cook for Family initiative #cookforfamily,an online campaign involving over 100 bloggers in Singapore to start bonding with family over food, I made Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Shaved Parmesan for my folks last week. The thing with brussels sprouts is that most people dislike it and I don’t quite understand why. Anyhoo, brussels sprouts are an overlooked veggie and I wish more people can appreciate its health benefits.
Did you know?
- Brussels sprouts can provide you with some special cholesterol-lowering benefits if you will use a steaming method when cooking them. The fiber-related components in brussels sprouts do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your digestive tract when they’ve been steamed. When this binding process takes place, it’s easier for bile acids to be excreted, and the result is a lowering of your cholesterol levels.
- Brussels sprouts may have unique health benefits in the area of DNA protection. A recent study has shown improved stability of DNA inside of our white blood cells after daily consumption of brussels sprouts in the amount of 1.25 cups. Interestingly, it’s the ability of certain compounds in brussels sprouts to block the activity of sulphotransferase enzymes that researchers believe to be responsible for these DNA-protective benefits.
- The cancer protection we get from brussels sprouts is largely related to four specific glucosinolates found in this cruciferous vegetable: glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin, sinigrin, and gluconasturtiian. Research has shown that brussels sprouts offer these cancer-preventive components in special combination.
The key benefits to brussel sprouts are cholestrol-lowering and also cancer-prevention. Surely those two reasons are enough to have us all start nibbling on brussels sprouts. And as you can see from the chart below, it’s packed with goodness!
I understand that most people balk at eating brussels sprouts because of the bitter taste (imo, I don’t find them to be bitter at all; at least nothing compared to bitter gourds, now that is definitely bitter). So here’s sharing a simple recipe that yields a really delicious plate of brussels sprouts, perfect as a side dish. I find the shape also sorta cute, kinda like little toy cabbages.
Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Shaved Parmesan
Ingredients (Serves 4)
3 cups Brussels Sprouts, chopped in halves
1 large Vidalia Onion, julienned
2 Tb Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tb Balsamic Vinegar
2 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Method
1. Sautee julienned onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft and caramelized, add balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
2. Steam brussels sprouts for about 10 minutes.
3. Toss brussels sprouts, caramelized onion and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. When ready to serve, top with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
4. Enjoy. :)
Simple enough, right? I usually like to chill this and eat it alone as a salad too. Trust me, this is really very yummy! My folks and I totally devoured the entire plate. Try making this in your own kitchen and lemme know what you think.
Cheers,
-MB.
You might also like
