Savory Brussels Sprouts with Cashew Crunch
Indulge in a deliciously unique take on Brussels sprouts with our Savory Brussels Sprouts with Cashew Crunch. This vibrant dish showcases the delicate flavors of fresh Brussels sprouts, tender carrots, and crisp celery, all harmoniously intermingled. The pièce de résistance is a delightful cashew topping that adds a satisfying crunch and nutty richness. Perfect as a side dish for holiday feasts or family dinners, this medley is both nutritious and flavorful, making it a wonderful addition to your vegetable repertoire. Impress your guests and loved ones with this scrumptious recipe that celebrates the humble Brussels sprout in style!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Brussels sprouts
1.5 lbs (Outer leaves removed, stem ends trimmed, bottom slashed with a shallow X)
Water
3 cups (For boiling)
Chicken bouillon cubes
2 (Added to water)
Carrots
1.5 cups (Thinly sliced)
Celery
1.5 cups (Sliced)
Butter or margarine
1/3 cup (Melted)
Cashews
3/4 cup (Dry roasted)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the Brussels sprouts and removing any discolored outer leaves. Trim the stem ends and carefully cut a shallow X into the bottom of each sprout to help them cook evenly.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of water and 2 chicken bouillon cubes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, add the prepared Brussels sprouts, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Return to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
4
Carefully drain the vegetables and transfer them to a serving bowl, keeping them warm.
5
In a small skillet, melt the butter or margarine over low heat. Add the dry roasted cashews along with the salt, dried thyme, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently until the cashews are lightly toasted and fragrant.
6
Pour the toasted cashew mixture over the warm Brussels sprout medley, tossing gently to ensure everything is well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful crunch!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Brussels Sprouts with Cashew Crunch?
It is a vibrant side dish featuring fresh Brussels sprouts, carrots, and celery tossed in a savory butter and toasted cashew topping.
How many Brussels sprouts do I need?
You will need 1.5 pounds of fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe.
How should the Brussels sprouts be prepared?
Remove the discolored outer leaves, trim the stem ends, and cut a shallow X into the bottom of each sprout to ensure even cooking.
Why do you cut an X into the bottom of the sprouts?
Cutting a shallow X into the stem helps the heat penetrate the dense core, allowing the sprout to cook at the same rate as the outer leaves.
What liquid is used to cook the vegetables?
The vegetables are simmered in a mixture of 3 cups of water and 2 chicken bouillon cubes.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon cubes and ensure you use butter or a vegan margarine.
How many carrots are included in the dish?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of thinly sliced carrots.
What amount of celery is required?
You should use 1.5 cups of sliced celery.
How long do the vegetables need to simmer?
Simmer the Brussels sprouts, carrots, and celery for 12 to 15 minutes until they are tender.
What is the cashew topping made of?
The topping consists of 3/4 cup dry roasted cashews, 1/3 cup butter or margarine, salt, dried thyme, and pepper.
How do you toast the cashews?
Melt butter in a small skillet over low heat, add the cashews and seasonings, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant.
What seasonings are used in the cashew crunch?
The seasoning includes 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1/3 cup of butter or 1/3 cup of margarine.
Should the cashews be roasted before adding them to the skillet?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using dry roasted cashews.
When should I add the cashew mixture to the vegetables?
Pour the toasted cashew mixture over the warm, drained vegetable medley just before serving.
Is this a good holiday side dish?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for holiday feasts and family dinners due to its festive colors and unique textures.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
The recipe specifies fresh Brussels sprouts for the best texture, but frozen could be used if adjusted for cooking time.
How do I know when the carrots and celery are cooked?
They are ready when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork after about 12 to 15 minutes of simmering.
How much water is needed for boiling?
You will need 3 cups of water.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
While not explicitly stated, carrots are generally peeled or scrubbed clean before being thinly sliced.
Can I substitute the dried thyme?
You can use fresh thyme if preferred, though you may need to triple the amount to match the potency of dried thyme.
Should the heat be high when toasting the cashews?
No, use low heat to avoid burning the butter or over-browning the cashews.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutrient-dense vegetable medley that includes fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from the cashews.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish offers a savory, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor with a satisfying crunch.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While servings are not specified, 1.5 lbs of sprouts typically serves approximately 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
Can I add other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you could substitute walnuts or pecans for a different but equally delicious nutty crunch.
What should I do with the bouillon cubes?
Add them to the 3 cups of water and bring to a boil to create a flavorful cooking broth for the vegetables.
Is it necessary to drain the vegetables?
Yes, you must carefully drain the cooking liquid before tossing the vegetables with the cashew butter mixture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
The vegetables can be pre-cut, but the dish is best served immediately after tossing with the toasted cashews to maintain the crunch.
What category of cuisine does this fall under?
It is categorized as southern cooking and fits well within the vegetable medley or healthy side dish categories.