A Great Side Dish Featuring Brussels Sprouts & Apples
Brussels Sprouts Hash with Apples is a delicious and healthy side dish that brings out the best of seasonal ingredients. This vibrant dish combines the earthy flavor of shredded Brussels sprouts with the natural sweetness of crisp apples, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Sautéed to golden perfection, the Brussels sprouts become tender and slightly caramelized, while the apples add a refreshing crunch and hint of tartness.
Not only is this hash simple to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to any meal. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins C and K, while apples offer dietary fiber and antioxidants. Whether you're serving it as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish is versatile enough to pair with eggs, roasted meats, or even stand alone as a light vegetarian option.
Perfect for the fall season when both Brussels sprouts and apples are at their peak, this recipe will add a fresh, seasonal touch to your table. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Brussels Sprouts Hash with Apples is a must-try dish that's as satisfying as it is nutritious!
Hash
In culinary terms, hash refers to a dish made by chopping or dicing cooked meat, potatoes, and sometimes vegetables into small pieces and then frying them together. It's a versatile and comforting dish popular in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in American and British cooking.
The base of a hash typically consists of diced or shredded cooked meat, such as beef, corned beef, ham, or even leftover roast chicken. Potatoes are another essential component, providing bulk and texture to the dish. Diced onions and bell peppers are often added for flavor and color, though the choice of vegetables can vary based on personal preference and regional variations.
The meat and potatoes are diced into small, uniform pieces to make hash and then cooked in a skillet or frying pan until they are browned and crispy outside. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary are commonly used to enhance the dish's flavor.
Hash is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It's often served with eggs cooked to order, such as fried or poached eggs, which are placed on top of the hash and then broken open to allow the yolk to run down and mingle with the savory flavors of the meat and potatoes. This combination of crispy hash, creamy eggs, and savory flavors is a classic comfort food that's sure to satisfy.
Hash can also be customized to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. For example, vegetarians can omit the meat and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach, while those looking for a heartier meal can top their hash with melted cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Hash is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for using leftovers or creating a hearty meal any day. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavors make it a perennial favorite in kitchens worldwide.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, often regarded with disdain and curiosity, are a polarizing vegetable that has reentered in recent years. These miniature cabbage-like orbs, typically about an inch in diameter, are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a staple in many culinary traditions worldwide.
Initially cultivated in ancient Rome, Brussels sprouts are a member of the Brassica family, along with cabbage, broccoli, and kale. They earned their name from their association with Brussels, Belgium, where they were popularized in the 16th century. Despite their long history, Brussels sprouts gained widespread popularity in the last few decades as chefs and home cooks discovered new ways to prepare and appreciate them.
Nutritionally, Brussels sprouts are powerhouse vegetables. They are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and numerous other nutrients. Their high fiber content aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making them a valuable addition to any balanced diet.
Brussels sprouts have historically received a bad rap because of their firm, sometimes bitter flavor. However, proper cooking techniques can mitigate this issue and bring out their natural sweetness. Roasting Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper caramelizes their outer leaves, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Alternatively, sautéing them with bacon or pancetta adds richness and depth of flavor, while steaming or boiling them preserves their bright green color and fresh taste.
Beyond their versatility in the kitchen, Brussels sprouts are also celebrated for their environmental sustainability. They thrive in cool climates and require relatively little water compared to other crops, making them an eco-friendly choice for conscientious consumers.
Brussels sprouts may not be everyone's favorite vegetable, but their nutritional benefits, culinary versatility, and environmental friendliness make them a worthy addition to any meal. Whether roasted, sautéed, or steamed, Brussels sprouts have earned their place on the plate as a delicious and nutritious option for veggie lovers everywhere.
📖 Recipe
Brussels Sprouts Hash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 16 ounces Brussels sprouts
- 2 apples peeled, cored & diced
- ½ cup chicken stock
- juice of 1 lemon including the zest
- 1 ounce dried cranberries
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
- Thinly slice the onion.
- Trim the Brussels sprouts by removing the stem end and any loose or tough outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half and thinly slice them crosswise into shreds.You can also opt to use a food processor fitted with a slicing blade to shred the Brussels sprouts.
- Peel the apples, core and dice.
- Zest the lemon using your favorite zesting technique.
- Remove the thyme leaves from the stem and finely mince them. Discard the stems.
Caramelize the Onions
- Heat a medium sized saute or fry pan over medium heat. When the pan heats up, add the butter.
- Add the sliced onion, season with salt & pepper and saute until golden brown. This will take 8 to 12 minutes for them to soften up and brown.
- Add the vinegar, stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes. When nicely caramelized, remove from heat, transfer the onions to a bowl and return the pan to the heat.
Cook the Brussels Sprouts
- Add the olive oil to the pan and when hot, add the Brussels sprouts and diced apples. Saute for 8 minutes, stirring frequently until the Brussels sprouts brown and the apples start to tender.
- Add the chicken stock and continue cooking until the stock cooks off and the apples are completely tender.
- Add a pinch of the lemon zest, the juice from the lemon halves, dried cranberries and thyme. Season with salt & pepper, stir, taste and adjust seasonings.
- Stir the caramelized onions back into the pan with the Brussels sprouts and apples. Again taste and adjust seasonings with salt & pepper.
- Serve.
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