Zesty Citrus Brussels Sprouts
Zesty Citrus Brussels Sprouts
with Mel's Secret Spice Blend
Our new favorite Brussels Sprout recipe is a salty, sweet and zesty combo of healthy deliciousness! Sweet oven roasted sprouts are seasoned with my favorite Secret Spice Blend (I guess the secret's out now) and fresh citrus zest. So easy and healthy too!
Brussels sprouts become very sweet when they're roasted in the oven and we love the way they crisp so nicely on the edges giving them a nice toasty flavor as well. My Secret Spice Blend (recipe included below) gives them a salty and savory finish that's enhanced by the fresh and bright citrus zest.
Roasting brings out both sweetness and umami in the Brussels sprouts so I use my Secret Spice Blend and the citrus zest to create a delicate balance of flavors like those found in great Vietnamese cooking. Sweet, salty, spicy and sour. The sprouts are not so sour or spicy, but the red chili flakes in my spice blend and the citrus zest add just enough flavor to let you know they're in there.
My Zesty Citrus Brussels Sprouts make a tasty side dish or appetizer and reheat beautifully. It's a great make ahead recipe too, just reserve the zest and add it right before serving.
Cheers!
~Melisa
Zesty Citrus Brussels Sprouts
with Mel's Secret Spice Blend
Ingredients
1 pound Brussels sprouts
2-3 tablespoons good oil such as olive, grape seed or pecan oil
2-3 tablespoons citrus fruit zest (I used a clementine this time.)
2-3 teaspoons Mel's Secret Spice Blend
Mel's Secret Spice Blend
recipe makes about one regular size spice jar full
I make mine to fill a spice jar with a grinder top, using more whole spices.
5 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons dehydrated minced onion
1 1/2 tablespoon dried tarragon leaves
1 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary leaves
1 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2-3 teaspoons dried red chili flakes
Method
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees.
Scrub the Brussels sprouts well and cut them in half. Place them cut side down in a shallow baking dish or cast iron pan that has been drizzled with olive, pecan, or grape seed oil.
Season them with Mel's Secret Spice Blend and give them a good toss.
Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until the centers are tender and outsides lightly crisped.
Sprinkle the sprouts with the citrus zest and toss once more.
Taste and add more Mel's Secret Spice Blend if needed to achieve a well balanced sweet and salty flavor.
