American Cuisine, Appetizers, Fusion Cuisine, Mediterranean Cuisine, Side Dishes
Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Maple Tahini Sauce
Are you looking for a new and exciting way to prepare Brussels sprouts? Look no further than this recipe for smashed Brussels sprouts with maple tahini sauce! This dish is not only delicious and full of flavor, but it’s also healthy and easy to prepare.
Ingredients & Substitutions: What Is In The Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Maple Tahini Sauce Recipe
Brussels sprouts are the star of this dish, and they offer a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. When selecting your Brussels sprouts, choose small, firm, and compact ones with no blemishes or yellowing leaves. Once you’ve washed and trimmed them, the next step is to roast them in the oven to achieve that perfect crispy texture. To do this, toss them in some extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste, and bake until they’re golden brown.
Moving on to the Maple Tahini Sauce, this creamy and flavorful dressing is what brings the dish to life. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, gives the sauce its nutty taste and smooth texture. Combined with the sweetness of maple syrup, the tanginess of red wine vinegar, and the tartness of lemon juice, this sauce is both sweet and savory. The garlic and black pepper add depth of flavor while the water helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
All in all, the ingredients for this dish are simple and easy to find, yet they come together to create a complex and satisfying flavor.
Helpful Tools
- Large pot for boiling water
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Flat glass or mug for smashing the Brussels sprouts
- Mason jar for the sauce
- Paper towel for drying off the Brussels sprouts after smashing
- Ice bath to quickly cool down the Brussels sprouts
How To Make The Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Maple Tahini Sauce
To make Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Maple Tahini Sauce, start by washing the Brussels sprouts and cutting off the hard ends.
Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil and boil the Brussels sprouts for 10-15 minutes. While they’re boiling, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with water and ice.
Once the Brussels sprouts are done boiling, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to cool for about 5-10 minutes. Drain the water completely from the sprouts.
While the Brussels sprouts are cooling, preheat the oven to 450 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the Brussels sprouts have cooled, transfer them to the baking sheet and spread them out evenly. Using the bottom of a flat glass or mug, press down on each Brussels sprout to flatten it to approximately 1/2 inch thick. If any moisture or water is released during this process, pat them dry with a paper towel.
Lightly brush the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Next, bake them in the oven for 35 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you prefer your Brussels sprouts crispier, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn them.
While the Brussels sprouts are baking, prepare the maple tahini dipping sauce. Combine all of the ingredients in a mason jar and shake well to combine. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little bit of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Finally, when the Brussels sprouts are ready, serve them immediately with a side of dipping sauce, and enjoy!
These are the crispiest and best when eaten right away.
Tips & Tricks For This Brussels Sprouts with Maple Tahini Sauce Recipe
- Be sure to cut off the hard ends of the Brussels sprouts before boiling them to ensure even cooking.
- To make smashing the Brussels sprouts easier, press down on them with the bottom of a flat glass or mug.
- If the Brussels sprouts release any moisture during the smashing process, be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before baking to ensure crispiness.
- To make the sauce creamier, use a blender or food processor to blend all the ingredients together.
- If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar.
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
FAQ: Smashed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
No, unfortunately frozen brussels will not work well for this recipe. Fresh Brussels sprouts will yield the best results for this recipe.
Yes, the sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good shake before serving.
Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar for another type of vinegar, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar, if you prefer.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Maple Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 2 lbs brussels sprouts
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Maple Tahini Sauce
- ¼ cup tahini
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup (I use 3 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup cold water to thin the dressing (optional, using more water makes it a dressing, no water makes it a dip)
Instructions
- Wash the Brussels sprouts and cut off the hard ends.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and boil the Brussels sprouts for 10-15 minutes. While the sprouts are boiling, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with water and ice.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the ice bath and allow them to cool for about 5-10 minutes. Drain the water completely from the sprouts.
- While the sprouts are cooling, preheat the oven to 450 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet and spread out evenly. Using the bottom of a flat glass or mug, press down on each Brussels sprout to flatten it to approx 1/2 inch thick. (If moisture or water is released during this process, simply pat them dry with a paper towel.)
- Brush the Brussels lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Next, bake them in the oven for 35 minutes, flipping halfway. If you would like the Brussels crispier, simply broil for 2-3 minutes. (Watch them closely to make sure they don't burn!)
- While the Brussels are baking, prepare the maple tahini dipping sauce. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, and shake well to combine. Thin with water if needed.
- These are crispiest and best when eaten right away. When the Brussels are ready, serve immediately with a side of the dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Video
Conclusion
In conclusion, smashed Brussels sprouts with maple tahini sauce is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a side dish. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.
Soooo good! I made this with your tahini sauce and ate it all in one sitting lol highly recommend this one to friends!
Hi Cassidy, thank you so much for the feedback and for sharing with your friends!
Loved these! And the tahini sauce was amazing 🤩
Thank you Gloria! So happy you loved this recipe!
This was AMAZING! Saw it on IG and had to try it out. Who could have thought Brussels sprouts could taste so good my husband went back for a second helping of veggies!!
Thanks so much Stephanie, so happy you and your husband loved the recipe! 😊
These were amazing and the sauce so soooooo delicious!!!
Thanks so much Jean!
Yum these made me love Brussels sprouts again. I’m loving all these essy cooks recipes!!!
Thanks Carlin!! Let me know how you are liking my other recipes.
These smashed Brussels sprout and the dip were next level. I actually was not a big fan of Brussel sprouts until this recipe.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the smashed Brussels sprouts and dip! It’s wonderful to hear that the recipe changed your perspective on Brussels sprouts. If there are any other vegetables or ingredients you’re not a fan of, let me know, and I’ll do my best to provide tasty recipes that might change your mind.
This was excellent! I had to reduce the cooking time from 35 to 30 due to the first batch burning, but that did the trick. This sauce could be used on anything and is delicious! Thanks so much!
Thank you SOOO much for your nice review! Good to know about the cooking time! I’m also SO happy you loved the sauce! It’s one of my favourites as well. 🙂