Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts

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PRESENTATION

Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts

The Brussels sprouts, let's be honest, are not always appealing to most people. We'll make you change your mind with this version; you'll find them irresistible! Smashed Brussels sprouts are a tasty and original idea made using the same technique as smashed potatoes: after a brief boiling, the sprouts are roughly smashed and brushed with a barbecue-flavored glaze before being baked to obtain a delicious caramelized crust. Perfect as a side dish, smashed Brussels sprouts are also great as an appetizer served with a dipping sauce: we propose a winter variant of the Spanish salmorejo, try it and let us know!

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INGREDIENTS

Brussels sprouts 1.1 lbs (500 g)
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
For the glaze
Barbecue sauce 4 tbsp (60 g)
Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp (30 g)
Maple syrup 1 tbsp (15 g)
Lemon juice to taste
Cornstarch 1 tsp - (optional)
Fine salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
For the winter salmorejo
Peeled tomatoes 1 cup (250 g) - San Marzano
Bread 1.1 oz (30 g) - crumb
Lemon juice ½
Brown sugar 1 tsp
Paprika to taste
Parsley to taste
Tabasco® to taste
Garlic 1 clove - (optional)
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Fine salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts

To make the smashed Brussels sprouts, first wash and trim the sprouts by removing the base and any outer leaves 1. Plunge the sprouts into a pot of boiling salted water 2 and cook for 8 minutes. Drain the sprouts and let them cool in a colander 3.

In the meantime, prepare the glaze: in a small bowl, pour the barbecue sauce, maple syrup 4, oil 5, a splash of lemon juice 6, salt, and pepper.

If you want a thicker consistency, add the cornstarch 7, then mix well. Place the sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and greased with oil, spaced apart. Smash the sprouts with the bottom of a glass or a glass jar, being careful to flatten them without breaking them 8. Brush the smashed sprouts with the glaze, making sure to cover the edges as well 9. Bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes.

While the sprouts are baking, you can prepare the accompanying sauce: pour the peeled tomatoes into a jug, then break the bread crumbs with your hands 10. Add the lemon juice 11 and paprika 12.

Add the brown sugar 13, salt, and pepper. If desired, you can also add a garlic clove. Start blending with an immersion mixer 14, pouring the oil in a thin stream 15.

When you reach the right consistency, garnish with a parsley leaf 16, a drizzle of oil, and a few drops of Tabasco. Remove the sprouts from the oven 17 and let them cool slightly before removing them from the baking sheet with a spatula. Garnish the smashed Brussels sprouts with flaky salt and serve them with the winter salmorejo 18!

How to store

It is recommended to consume the smashed Brussels sprouts immediately, or alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator for 2 days in an airtight container.

Freezing is not recommended. The winter salmorejo can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days: it will be even more flavorful the next day!

Tips

You can also cook the smashed Brussels sprouts in a pan over medium heat with a generous drizzle of oil, for 3-4 minutes per side.

As an alternative to maple syrup, you can use a bit of brown sugar. If you prefer to omit the glaze, you can simply season the smashed sprouts with oil and salt and serve them as a side dish.

For the salmorejo: paprika can be replaced with a pinch of chili pepper, while Tabasco can be omitted. For a stronger flavor, you can add a garlic clove!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.