How to Cook Brussels Sprouts

Kissing cousin to the cabbage, loaded with detoxifying enzymes and antioxidants and simple to prepare, Brussels sprouts may be destined for a new role on America's dinner tables that you can tap into today.

Instructions

Step 1: Obtain sprouts Use firm, bright green sprouts, either on the stalk or separated, making sure they are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare sprouts Remove any yellowed outer leaves. Rinse the sprouts in cold water to wash, and then drain them.
Step 3: Trim Trim stems at the base of the heads and slice a tiny cross at the bottom of each sprout with a sharp knife to allow for thorough cooking, or slice the sprouts in half to create bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Microwave Microwave your sprouts in a covered bowl filled with 1 to 2 inches of water, cooking 12 ounces of sprouts for five minutes or longer, depending on sprout sizes.
TIP: Sprouts should retain their bright green appearance regardless of the cooking method.
Step 5: Steam Steam sprouts by bringing a pan of 1 to 2 inches of water to a boil on a stove top, and then setting the sprouts in a steamer basket inside the pan, and covering it for 10 to 20 minutes or until tender.
Step 6: Boil Boil your sprouts using 1 cup of water for every cup of sprouts, bringing the water to boil in a pan, and then dropping them into the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
TIP: Brussels sprouts compliment a menu of beef, sharp cheeses, and heavily seasoned dishes.
Step 7: Saute Saute your sprouts for 10 minutes in a pan coated with olive oil as another cooking method to feed your need for the Brussels sprout's important nutrients, and to power up your diet.
FACT: Brussels sprouts were named for the capital of Belgium, where they were thought to have first been harvested.