Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Usually for Christmas Eve, my mom makes a honey ham and we make some of our favorite sides to go with. In the past, we have made sticky rice, creamed corn, roasted sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes and other of our favorite mom dishes. This year, we decided on roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash and scalloped potatoes. I have wanted to roast Brussels sprouts so we decided to try that out on the family as well.

For Christmas, my mom got a few olive oils and balsamic vinegars. We were so excited to use these! The olive oils were both Persian Lime flavor and one of the balsamics was a Honey Ginger Balsamic. Honey. Ginger.

Now, I am a ginger fiend, so when I heard those words, I just about froze. I love ginger.

Anyways, we tossed the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and the honey ginger balsamic before roasting. It added a nice undertone flavor. I also threw some dried cranberries and walnuts on the roasting pan to a little festive flair. Here is all you need for this side dish!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

16 oz Brussels sprouts (halved)
1 T olive oil
2 T balsamic vinegar (plain or flavored)
½ c. dried cranberries
½ c. walnuts, halved

Directions

Halve the Brussels sprouts, wash and pat dry

Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a dash of salt

Lay the sprouts on a roasting pan

Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, mixing after 10 minutes

Sprinkle the cranberries and walnuts on the pan 5 minutes before the sprouts are done. That’s it!!

Why are they so good for you?

I couldn’t believe all the nutritional benefits that come out of these small things! Numerous studies have been conducted and here’s a brief synopsis of what I found out!

Detoxifier: As a cruciferous vegetable (in the family with broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and bok choy), Brussels sprouts are among the most nutritious foods out there. All cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, which are the chemical starting points for a variety of cancer-protective substances. These glucosinolates are required to rid the cancer-causing toxins from our body.
Protector: Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, E, A and manganese, which all contribute to an anti-oxidant effect. Additionally, many flavanoids are found in sprouts and help protect the body.
Anti-inflammatory: Glucosinolates found in Brussels sprouts help to regulate the body’s inflammatory/anti-inflammatory system and prevent unwanted inflammation. A second important anti-inflammatory nutrient found in Brussels sprouts is vitamin K. Vitamin K is a direct regulator of inflammatory responses. Lastly, Brussels sprouts contain about 1/3 the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3’s are the building blocks to anti-inflammatory molecules.
Fiber: 4 grams in one cup!

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brussels sprouts