Some people shy away from preparing Brussels sprouts because they fear that cleaning the vegetables would be time-consuming. However, with the right technique, the little florets can be cleaned and washed very quickly and can then be cooked within a few minutes.
How should you wash Brussels sprouts before cooking?
To wash Brussels sprouts before cooking, first remove unsightly leaves and cut off the stem. Then run water into the sink and swirl the florets in it with your hands. Rub off any dirt with your fingers and let the florets drain in a sieve.
Cut off the stalk
When purchasing, you should pay attention to smooth, flawless, green and tightly closed florets. However, due to storage, even if the quality is good, it is unavoidable that the stalk of the Brussels sprouts turns dark.
The first step is to cut off the dried interface.
Plucking unsightly leaves
The outer, fairly hard, yellowed or fibrous leaves usually come off. If this is not the case, pull it off towards the stem with your fingers.
Wash Brussels sprouts
Since Brussels sprouts do not grow on the ground and are almost always sold pre-washed, some people choose not to wash the florets. But since you never know how many hands the vegetable has already passed through before it is sold, you should still clean the Brussels sprouts thoroughly before cooking:
- First run water into the sink.
- Put in the cleaned florets and move them with your hands.
- You can rub dirt off with your fingers.
- Remove the Brussels sprouts and drain in a colander.
Cooking Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts only need five to seven minutes to cook. That's why this vegetable is perfect for quick cooking.
- Put the Brussels sprouts in a pot of boiling water to which you have added a little s alt.
- Turn the stove down a little, the water should just simmer.
- The Brussels sprouts are done when you can skewer the florets with a knife.
Home storage
To ensure that Brussels sprouts stay crisp, storing them correctly at home is important. After shopping, put the vegetables in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. First remove the plastic packaging and wrap the florets in a slightly damp kitchen towel.
If Brussels sprouts are rather heavy for you, season them with fennel, anise or caraway. These make the cabbage easier to digest.
Tip
So that the hard stalk becomes as tender as the leaves after cooking, cut it in a cross shape after washing.
