Andrea SkallebergComment

Brussels Sprout "Popcorn"

Andrea SkallebergComment
Brussels Sprout "Popcorn"
Fresh Brussels Sprouts on the stalk

Fresh Brussels Sprouts on the stalk

Who doesn't love popcorn? When our kids come home (be it in Sweden or Santa Fe), popcorn is a given. We are defintiely not a "share-one- bowl" family – nope; everyone gets a bowl of their own, filled to the brim. Dad is the master of popcorn popping (I'll share his secrets with you someday). Our daughter calls his popcorn "PPP" – Papa's Perfect Popcorn. She also calls his homemade pesto "PPP" – Papa's Perfect Pesto –  don't know if she can really be trusted in her culinary evaluations as these are the only two "dishes" he's ever made. Joking aside (and in his defense), he makes a killer muesli mix (and the Pigtailed Baker tends to hog the kitchen)!

This "green popcorn", however, is something altogether different, wonderful and healthy! And easy! Did I mention easy? All you need is an oven, olive oil, salt and your favorite herbs/spices. 

I love finding a fresh stalk of brussels sprouts but the buds work just as well in this very simple recipe. 

Photo: Hannah Skalleberg, my lovely, multitalented niece – http://www.hannahswede.com/

Photo: Hannah Skalleberg, my lovely, multitalented niece – http://www.hannahswede.com/

Ingredients:

One fresh stalk of brussels sprouts (or one lb. buds)

3 TBS. olive oil

salt, pepper to taste

Your favorite herbs/spices  

Optional topping (but oh so good):  Nutritional Yeast (tastes cheesy and savory and it's dairy free!)

Preheat the oven at 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place stalk or buds on the foil and cover with olive oil. Add salt, pepper and your favorite herbs/spices. I love "Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend", a combination of sesame seeds, garlic, onion and poppy seeds. Bake for 45 minutes or until the buds look crispy and delightfully brown. You may need to turn the stalk/shake the pan every now and then as to avoid burning. 

Let cool and then remove the buds (if using the stalk) with a pair of kitchen shears. Sprinkle with Nutritional Yeast.

Find a comfy spot on the sofa, tune in to your favorite movie channel and munch!