This Christmas, ditch the usual side dishes and impress your guests with Jamie Oliver’s irresistible Charred Brussels Sprouts. This isn’t your grandma’s Brussels sprouts recipe; this elevated take transforms this often-maligned vegetable into a festive centerpiece that will even win over the most ardent sprout-avoiders.
The secret lies in the charring, which brings out a delightful smoky depth of flavor. Oliver’s method is surprisingly simple and quick, taking only about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect addition to your busy holiday schedule. But don’t let the speed fool you; the result is a dish bursting with delicious textures and contrasting flavors. The perfectly charred Brussels sprouts, slightly crunchy on the outside and tender within, are beautifully complemented by a creamy Greek yogurt dressing that cuts through the richness with a refreshing tang. The addition of homemade croutons and a generous shaving of Parmesan cheese elevates the dish to new heights.
Even better, the versatility of this cooking method extends beyond Brussels sprouts. Feeling adventurous? Try it with broccoli, kale, or cauliflower for a similar delicious char and incredible flavor. It’s the perfect way to sneak in extra veggies during the festive season!
Here’s how to recreate Jamie Oliver’s festive masterpiece:
Ingredients:
* 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 50g Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
* 250g Greek yogurt
* ½ lemon, juiced
* 2 thick slices of sourdough bread, cut into cubes
* Olive oil
* Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions:
1.
Char the Brussels Sprouts:
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred. Set aside on a board.2.
Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
While the sprouts are charring, finely grate most of the Parmesan cheese and fold it into the Greek yogurt along with the lemon juice. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper. This tangy and creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts.3.
Make the Croutons:
In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and add the sourdough bread cubes. Toast over medium-high heat for approximately 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. During the last minute of toasting, grate the remaining Parmesan cheese over the croutons for an extra cheesy kick.4.
Assemble and Serve:
Spoon the creamy yogurt dressing onto a serving platter. Arrange the charred Brussels sprouts and croutons on top. Finish with a generous grating of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Gently toss everything together before serving for an exquisite combination of flavors and textures.This festive recipe is sure to be a hit at your Christmas dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to be amazed by how delicious Brussels sprouts can truly be!
