Sprouts - can they ever taste good?
Can sprouts ever taste good? Add your comment.
Opinion seems pretty evenly split in our office. Adrian Chiles is a fan of Brussels sprouts. Runner Charlie hates 'em. Director Neil was more thoughtful. He wasn't so keen when young, but he now says he savours them - as his taste buds have matured.
If you're not keen on sprouts, Michael Mosley may know why. In tonight's film, Michael told us about supertasters. Supertasters' tongues have far more taste buds than average giving them a heightened sense of bitterness, sweetness, salty and sour. If you're a supertaster (one in five of us are), sprouts can taste very bitter.
So, you now have an excuse for not clearing your plate at Christmas.
Sympathy for the sprouts - your recipes please
How do you make sprouts taste good? Add your suggestion.
Our friends over at ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ FoodÌý²õ³Ü²µ²µ±ð²õ³Ù:
Gratin of Brussels sprouts with lardons, cream and almonds by Sophie Grigson.
Serves 8 - cooking time 30 mins to 1 hour.
Ingredients
900g/2lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed
20g/¾oz butter
4 tsp sunflower oil
150g/5oz bacon lardons (or rindless back bacon, cut into short fat strips)
20g/¾oz flaked almonds
400ml/14fl oz double cream
2½ tsp lemon juice
5½ tbsp fresh white breadcrumbs
4 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
2. Place the sprouts into a saucepan of simmering salted water and cook for 4-5 minutes, until almost, but not quite, cooked. Drain thoroughly, allow to cool slightly, then cut in half.
3. Place the butter and oil into a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Add the bacon lardons and almonds and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned.
4. Add the sprouts and sauté for a further 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add the cream and bring the mixture to the boil. Boil for 2-4 minutes, until the cream has reduced to a rich sauce. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Remove from the heat, add the lemon juice and spoon into an ovenproof gratin dish.
7. Mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese together in a bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the sprout mixture.
8. Place into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the top is golden-brown and the cream visibly boiling.
9. Remove from the oven and serve in the gratin dish (when the dish has cooled slightly).
Can sprouts ever taste good? Add your suggestions.
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