The Extremely Slow Cooked Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, often underestimated for their potential, transform into a truly indulgent dish when cooked slowly, allowing them to absorb all the flavors and become tender, savory morsels. This easy, yet satisfying recipe makes use of a slow cooker to tenderize the Brussels sprouts over hours, resulting in a richly flavored dish that pairs wonderfully with any vegan or vegetarian meal. A perfect addition to your dinner table, it’s an effortless and healthy side that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts, bottom trimmed and cut | 1 pound (about 16 oz) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Dried tarragon | 1/4 teaspoon |
Allergen Information
This recipe contains no common allergens, making it a safe and versatile choice for most dietary needs. It is free from gluten, dairy, and nuts, but as always, check specific ingredients if you’re uncertain about their sourcing.
Dietary Preferences
This dish is 100% plant-based and fits into various diets:
- Vegan: No animal products are used.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians as well.
- Gluten-Free: Contains no gluten ingredients.
- Dairy-Free: Contains no dairy ingredients.
Preparation Instructions
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Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the Brussels sprouts, salt, pepper, water, and Dijon mustard in your slow cooker. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
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Add Flavor: Sprinkle in the dried tarragon and stir again to incorporate it with the Brussels sprouts. The dried herb will infuse its aromatic flavor during the slow cooking process.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for about 5 hours, or until the Brussels sprouts are fork-tender and flavorful.
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Final Touch: Once cooked, give the Brussels sprouts a good stir. Drizzle a little more Dijon mustard over the cooked sprouts to elevate the flavor further and stir once more.
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Serve and Enjoy: Give everything one final mix, and your incredibly slow-cooked Brussels sprouts are ready to serve. Pair them with your favorite main dish and enjoy!
Alternative Cooking Method (Without Slow Cooker)
If you don’t have a slow cooker, no worries! You can use a heavy iron-cast Dutch oven instead. Preheat your oven to 200°F (Low heat) or 250°F (High heat). Follow the same recipe steps and cook in the Dutch oven for approximately 3-4 hours, checking for tenderness as you go.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 83 kcal |
| Fat | 4.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.0 g |
| Protein | 4.0 g |
This healthy side dish is low in calories yet packed with flavor, making it a great addition to any meal without adding excessive calories or fat. The Brussels sprouts offer a good source of fiber, and the Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor.
Tips for Success
- Herb Variation: You can experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme to suit your taste preferences.
- Adjusting Cooking Time: If you prefer your Brussels sprouts a little more crisp, you can reduce the cooking time slightly. However, slow cooking really enhances their flavor and tenderness, so we recommend sticking to the full cooking time for the best results.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Conclusion
These Extremely Slow Cooked Brussels sprouts are an incredibly simple and rewarding dish to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, minimal preparation, and a long, slow cooking process, you get a wonderfully flavorful, tender vegetable side that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or for a special occasion, this dish is bound to be a hit. Perfectly suited to any vegan or vegetarian meal, it’s an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while keeping things delicious and satisfying.
