Brussels Sprouts à La Kefalonitissa Food

MOMOFUKU'S ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH FISH SAUCE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine the vinaigrette (below), cilantro stems, and mint in a bowl, and set aside.
• Peel away any loose or discolored outer leaves, trim the dry end of the stems with a knife, and cut the sprouts in half. Cut any especially large ones in quarters. Do not wash, especially if frying the sprouts. If roasting, and you must, dry very well.
• To roast the brussels sprouts (recommended): Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or just enough to evenly coat the bottom of the pan) in 2 oven-safe wide skillets (12 to 14 inches) over medium heat. When the oil slides easily from side to side of the pan, add the brussels sprouts cut side down. When the cut faces of the sprouts begin to brown, transfer the pan to the oven to finish cooking, about 15 minutes. Alternately, if you don't have 2 large skillets or are cooking more sprouts for a larger crowd, roast them in the oven: toss them with 1 tablespoon of oil per pound and spread them on a baking sheet, cut sides down. Roast in the oven, checking for browning every 10-15 minutes, tossing them around with a spatula only once they start to brown nicely.The sprouts are ready when they are tender but not soft, with nice, dark brown color.
• To fry the brussels sprouts: Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer registers 375°F. Line a plate with paper towels. Fry in batches that don't crowd the pan -- be careful, these will pop and spatter. Brussels sprouts will take about 5 minutes: when the outer leaves begin to hint at going black around the edges-i.e., after the sprouts have sizzled, shrunk, popped, and browned but before they burn-remove them to a paper towel-lined plate or tray.
• Serve warm or at room temperature. When ready to serve, divide the brussels sprouts among four bowls (or serve it all out of one big bowl), top with the dressing to taste and cilantro leaves, and toss once or twice to coat.
• Combine the fish sauce, water, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chiles in a jar. Taste; If too salty, add more water and/or lime juice. This vinaigrette will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.

BALSAMIC-ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan, including some of the loose leaves, which get crispy when they're roasted. Add the pancetta, olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, toss with your hands, and spread out in a single layer. Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20 to 30 minutes, until they're tender and nicely browned and the pancetta is cooked. Toss once during roasting. Remove from the oven, drizzle immediately with the balsamic vinegar, and toss again. Taste for seasonings, and serve hot.

BRUSSELS SPROUT GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until bright green and beginning to soften. Remove the sprouts with a slotted spoon and drop into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
• Make the sauce by melting the butter and flour together in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until smooth and bubbling, about 1 minute; slowly whisk in milk and continue to cook, whisking frequently, until thick and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Season the sauce well with salt and heavily with pepper.
• Halve the Brussels sprouts through the core and put them in an even layer in a 2 quart baking dish. Pour the sauce over the sprouts and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the center of the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

HOW TO COOK BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Tip the sprouts into a pan and add a couple of cm water and a pinch of salt - a large pan works better so they're not piled up too high. Cover and bring the water to the boil, turn down to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 3- 5 mins depending on size.
• Test with a sharp knife to see if they are cooked through. If not, cook for a little longer and test again.
• Drain and tip the sprouts into a bowl. Serve with a knob of butter, if you wish.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS à LA KEFALONITISSA

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat the oil on medium high heat.
• Add onions, garlic, and parsley. Sauté until onions are translucent.
• Add tomato paste and let it sauté or "roast" for a few seconds. Stir.
• Add tomatoes and cook for a minute or two until they release some juices.
• Season with some salt and pepper.
• Add the brussels sprouts.
• Add a cup and a half to two cups of water.
• Season again if necessary.
• Add oregano, not too much. (Like 3 or 4 dashes).
• Reduce heat to medium or medium low, cover halfway, and simmer for 40 minutes or until sprouts are tender and sauce has thickened.
• If there is too much liquid after the sprouts have cooked, remove the lid, and increase the heat until sauce thickens.
• Serve with feta.
• You may also add 3 or 4 cubed Idaho potatoes into the stew at the point in the recipe where you add in the brussel sprouts. This makes for a thicker and tastier sauce. If you do this, just add more water and salt since potatoes tend to absorb a lot of liquid.