What to do with Brussels sprouts?

A simple yet delightful way to enjoy Brussels sprouts is pan roasting with butter and using them for a warm, rustic salad with kale and nuts. The slightly salty butter gives them a gorgeous, golden-brown exterior and ensures their insides are tender yet slightly crisp. While a sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper is enough to transform them into a savoury, caramelised treat, there is no reason to stop there. Red chilli will add a subtle kick, and orange juice will give them a vibrant, zesty quality.

Can you freeze Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can freeze Brussels sprouts. Always go for fresh sprouts and, after giving them a good wash, blanch them by boiling for about 3-5 minutes and then give them a quick chill in icy water. This blanching step is not just for show – it is key to preserving the lovely green colour and preventing them from turning mushy once they are defrosted. Dry them well, tuck them into airtight bags, expelling as much air as you can, and pop them in the freezer. When you are ready to savour them, cook straight from frozen.

Why are Brussels sprouts eaten at Christmas?

Brussels sprouts are in their prime during winter, offering fresh, local produce during a season when fresh vegetables are scarce. Historically, they have been coupled with festive winter feasts due to this seasonal availability. Their hearty and robust nature allows them to endure the winter chill, making them ripe and ready just in time for the holiday celebrations. The slightly bitter, yet earthy flavour complements the rich, savoury notes of a typical Christmas dinner wonderfully, creating a timeless, tasty tradition.

How do Brussels sprouts grow?

Brussels sprouts grow on long, thick stalks, sprouting like little green orbs along its length. Each sprout, essentially a tiny cabbage, patiently develops from the bottom upward. Planting them requires some simple steps: sowing seeds in early spring, positioning them in a sheltered spot where they will get plenty of sunlight, and giving them just enough water to keep the soil moist. In due time, with care and a watchful eye, these little green gems mature, becoming a hearty side on your plate.

Chilli & Orange Brussels Sprouts

45 mins cooking time

Infuse your Christmas meal with bold flavours and spice up roasted Brussels sprouts with orange juice and fresh chilli. Tenderise the sprouts and kale in butter, mix with chilli for a bit of heat, and use freshly squeezed orange juice for a dazzling, flavourful touch. Serve the warm, rustic salad as a hearty side with juicy orange segments and toasted pine nuts.

Chilli & Orange Brussels Sprouts

45 mins cooking time

Method

Cut the Brussels sprouts into halves, discard outer leaves if needed, remove the stem of cavolo nero, and chop the leaves coarsely.

Cut the peel off the oranges, making sure to remove the white pith by working from top to bottom while rotating the orange. Cut in between the white pith to cut each orange segment loose. Leave on a tray for later.

In a dry frying pan, toast the pine nuts until golden brown. Remove from the heat and save for later.

Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the Brussels sprouts for about 5 minutes until they start browning at the edges.

Add the cavolo nero and chilli and fry for 2-3 minutes more. Add orange juice and mix. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add orange segments and mix gently so they do not break. Turn the heat off.

Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and serve right away.

EVERYTHING ABOUT BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Brussels sprouts are an integral part of Christmas for many. But how are these little cabbages best enjoyed? Learn more below, where we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about them.

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Create vibrant Christmas cheer with Brussels sprouts

Weave the seasonal, aromatic allure of pan-roasted Brussels sprouts into your holiday feast. Picture this: a pan of winter-fresh sprouts sizzling away, their earthy scent mingling with butter and a hint of zesty orange, creating an aroma that is undeniably Christmas. Use this easy-to-make Brussels sprouts recipe for Christmas to ensure a merry and bright side brimming with colour and flavour.

Rustle up a rustic Brussels sprouts salad with kale

Brussels sprouts and cavolo nero are some of the best winter vegetables waiting to be turned into spectacular delicious dishes. The two cabbage types pair nicely in taste as well as texture to create the basis of this warm salad. The slightly sweet, nutty, and earthy flavour of cavolo nero complements the similarly earthy but somewhat bitter undertones of the sprouts. While the green sprouts become tender and slightly crispy when cooked in butter, the kale retains its robust, chewy texture, providing a nice contrast.

Warm salads are terrific as hearty sides or main courses all year round. Cook with the seasons and enjoy cabbage and kale in autumn and winter, asparagus, and artichokes in spring, and warm potato salad in summer.

Sautéed with orange juice for an aromatic flavour

Orange juice is a juicy way to elevate a kale and Brussels sprouts salad. It introduces a sweet and tangy brightness, cutting through the inherent bitterness of the sprouts as it allows them to caramelise. The citrus element heightens the freshness of the salad and acts as a brilliant contrast to the earthy Brussels sprouts. When the fruity notes are balanced with the crunchy, savoury sprouts, you create a delightfully harmonious side dish.

If you cannot get enough of citrusy goodness, we suggest this orange bundt cake to serve as a Christmas dessert. If you prefer smaller treats, try our gingerbread cookies with royal icing and candied orange peel.

Orange bundt cake

A subtle kick from chilli

Fresh, red chilli invigorates pan-roasted Christmas brussels sprouts and kale with a dash of heat. The thin slices provide a lively, colourful surprise in every bite. The spiciness of the chilli cuts through the rich, buttery sprouts, offering a zesty pop that awakens the palate and harmonises the overall flavour combination. Select a fresh, high-quality chilli and a little will go a long way.

Throw in a personal Christmas touch

Put your mark on this recipe. Maybe you have some flavours that are extra Christmassy to you? Small adjustments can make a big difference, so experiment to create the perfect recipe for you.

A sprinkle of nutmeg in the melted butter can introduce that quintessential holiday aroma and flavour. Its subtly sweet and nutty flavour harmonises with the earthy Brussels sprouts and kale without overpowering the warm salad or conflicting with the chilli’s spicy kick.

Grab a handful of dried cranberries to add a burst of sweetness to each bite. Their sweet-tart flavour and chewy texture complement the earthy, savoury sprouts perfectly. As a bonus, the combination of red and green is beautifully festive. Pomegranate seeds can create a similar effect. The red, jewel-like seeds provide a crispy, juicy texture to the Christmas salad.

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