| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 16g | 4g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 27g | 6g | 5g | 0.21g |
I must confess, I am incredibly excited to delve into detail about one of my personal favourite recipes, the humble yet surprisingly flavorful Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup Glaze. Combining the earthy essence of Brussels sprouts with a sweet and slightly tangy glaze, it’s a mouthwatering recipe that brings an unexpected twist to a vegetable that many seldom appreciate.
Behind the Brussels Sprouts: Cooking as a Fusion Art
One of the most magical things about cooking is its inherent nature as a fusion art. The fusion of my Atlanta roots and Nigerian heritage often finds its delightful playground on my dinner plate. This recipe, despite its simplicity, is a testament to that fusion, borrowing the natural sweetness of maple syrup, a classic staple in any Southern kitchen, and merging it with the robust, earthy heartiness of Brussels sprouts, a vegetable much appreciated in various African cuisines.
The result is the Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup Glaze, a dish where every forkful sings with the sweet and savoury notes of my Afro-Southern background.
Health Behind the Plate
Though we all like a good sinfully indulgent dish once in a while, it’s wonderful when healthy and delicious meet. Brussels sprouts are known for their high fibre content and beneficial antioxidants. On the other hand, pure maple syrup is high in Manganese, a nutrient that’s essential for many processes in your body. This dish, while delighting your tastebuds, contributes positively towards your daily nutritional needs.
This recipe also includes optional walnuts—an excellent source of Omega-3 and other important minerals. The dried cranberries provide a unqiue tanginess, and they are a good source of dietary fibre and Vitamins C & E. Every ingredient has been chosen not only for its flavour, but for its contribution towards a balanced meal.
Complimentary Dishes and Drinks
This Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup Glaze meshes well with a myriad of dishes, borrowing from a diverse flavour palate. It can function as a side to a hearty meat roast or even a creamy pasta dish. For a fully vegetarian menu, it pairs excellently with a quinoa salad or even a garlic butter portobello mushroom steak. If you’re searching for an accompanying drink, a glass of Chardonnay or a well-brewed iced tea would complement this dish wonderfully.
Here’s a guide to wine pairings for different types of vegetables for those who prefer their meal with a glass of good wine. And for the tea lovers, here are some food pairing tips when brewing a cup.
Whether you’re looking to try a new flavour combination, want a unique side dish for your dinner party, or simply wish to enjoy a nourishing meal, this Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup Glaze would be a fabulous choice. It encapsulates the warmth of the southern kitchen with the vibrancy of West African cuisines. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of Brussels sprouts
- 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 orange (for zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s preheating, clean your Brussels sprouts and trim off any damaged leaves or stems. Then slice them in half.
Step Two
Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a baking sheet. Drizzle them with the extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle them with the kosher salt and ground black pepper, and toss everything together to ensure they’re well-coated.
Step Three
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll want your Brussels sprouts to be tender and slightly caramelized.
Step Four
While your Brussels sprouts are roasting, it’s time to make the maple syrup glaze. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup and butter. Heat this over a medium heat until the butter has melted and the mixture starts to bubble.
Step Five
Lower your heat to medium-low and let the syrup mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. It should reduce and thicken slightly. During this time, zest and juice your orange, then add both to the syrup mixture.
Step Six
Remove your Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them into a large bowl. Pour over the maple-orange glaze and add in the dried cranberries. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the glaze.
Step Seven
If you’re using them, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the Brussels sprouts just before serving.
Step Eight
Serve your Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup Glaze immediately, while still warm. Enjoy this sweet, tangy, and nutritious side dish!
