Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction

What better way to enjoy Brussels sprouts than roasted?  And this Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe kicks things up several notches with the addition of a balsamic vinegar reduction – it transforms this otherwise simple side dish into something absolutely exquisite!

If you’re a Brussels sprouts lover, then this recipe is a must.  A simple, elegant, delicious side dish that is equally fit for a formal dinner party as it is for a casual family meal.

If you’re a Brussels sprouts hater…well, I’m afraid there is simply no hope of converting you.  You can blame it on your genetics.  That’s right, there’s actually a gene that explains your repulsion to all things cabbage.

In 2003 scientists located the exact gene responsible for this hatred toward Brussels sprouts.  They decided to name it the “TAS2R38 gene” (they could have done better than that, surely.)   It’s located on the 7th chromosome, has 1,143 bases, and it performs the role of coding for the PTC taste receptor.  (All of this just further reinforces why I pursued an education as far away from math and chemistry as possible – although I did have to take some nasty statistics in grad school.  Awful, awful stuff.  Awful.  But I’ve since recovered).  So what on earth does all of that mean for non-geeks?  It means this:  There is a chemical called PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) that isn’t common in the human diet but is similar to chemicals found in the brassica family (cabbages and Brussels sprouts).  If you happen to be the lucky/unlucky (I’ll let you determine which) possessor of the TAS2R38 gene, this gene produces a protein that interlocks with PTC and creates a strong, unpleasant taste sensation of bitterness.

Bottom line: there’s nothing you or an estimated 21% of the population can do about it.  You will forever hate Brussels sprouts.

And if there are any kids or teenagers reading this (kudos for following a cook-from-scratch food blog!), you now have a slam-dunk excuse for not eating your sprouts.  Parents: don’t hate me.  Kids: you’re welcome :)

And now, for those of you who weren’t born with the TAS2R38 gene (my hand’s up!), here’s a fabulous recipe to celebrate our mutual love of Brussels sprouts!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction Recipe

Let’s get started!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Peel and discard the outer layer of the Brussels sprouts, trim the stems, and cut the sprouts in half.  Place the sprouts in a bowl, drizzle the olive oil and add some salt and pepper and toss to evenly coat.  Lay the sprouts on a non-stick or lined cookie sheet.

Roast the Brussels sprouts for 16-20 minutes or until nicely caramelized/browned.

You can make the balsamic reduction in advance or make it now.  Use a good quality, aged balsamic vinegar.  Place it in a very small saucepan and bring it to a boil.  Reduce the heat to a simmer, about medium-low, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the vinegar has thickened enough to lightly coat a spoon.  Be careful not to over-cook or the syrup will be more like taffy.

Place the grilled Brussels sprouts on a warmed serving platter, drizzle with the balsamic reduction and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

For more delicious vegetable side dishes be sure to try our: 

• Au Gratin Potatoes
• Zucchini Au Gratin
• Roasted Rutabaga
• Spiralized Beets
• German Green Bean Salad
• Greek Grilled Asparagus Salad
• Creamy German Cucumber Salad
• German Cucumber Salad
• Baked Endives with Ham and Bechamel
• Mashed Potatoes with Parsnips
• ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole
• Chilled Asparagus with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
• Gomen (Ethiopian Collard Greens)

 

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet November 26, 2014