Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Glaze
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Glaze
By Mark Zuleger-Thyss, Garden of Healing
Vegetarian & Vegan | Gluten-Free | Low-Sodium
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Yield: 4 Servings
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This tasty, heart-healthy dish will delight your tastebuds. Roasted Brussels sprouts paired with seedless red grapes and the honey-balsamic sauce's complexity bring a unique flavor and tangy finish to this dish.
Crunchy, browned Brussels sprouts with the occasional bite of roasted grape will enthuse those who up until now winced at these 'tiny cabbages.' When properly cooked and seasoned, Brussels sprouts offer a natural, nutty sweetness.
Each serving provides 24% of the daily value for cholesterol-helping fiber. The mineral potassium found in these sprouts can help control blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Brussels sprouts are low in calories and high in many nutrients, especially vitamin C.
Brussels sprouts come with added health benefits, including the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation, and improve blood sugar control.
These tiny cabbage-like vegetables are named after the Belgian city of Brussels, widely cultivated in the 16th century. The correct spelling is "Brussels sprout."
The majority of Brussels sprouts are grown in California, though they can likely be found at your local farmers' markets. They are available throughout the year, but the peak growing season is in the fall through early spring.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup red seedless grapes
- 2 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- Pinch of Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish with thyme
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450 degrees
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut the grapes in halves
- On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, until the sprouts are well-coated
- Roast until golden brown and tender, about 18–20 minutes, turning sprouts halfway through roasting
- Stir in grapes and roast 3–5 minutes
- In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and honey to create a glaze
- Transfer sprouts and grapes to a serving bowl and toss or drizzle with balsamic-honey mixture
- Serve immediately
Food as Medicine: Brussels sprouts
Detoxification, cancer prevention, joint protection, decreased inflammation, and improvements in blood sugar control are some of Brussels sprouts’ health benefits.
The sulforaphane and fiber found in Brussels sprouts have been shown to protect the stomach lining from ulcers. Sulforaphane reduces the amount of H. pylori bacteria that can cause chronic low-level inflammation.
Brussels sprouts are an effective detoxifier, too. They help to increase levels of glutathione-S-transferase, the enzyme that detoxifies environmental toxins.
Glucosinolates are biologically active compounds found in the Brassicaceae family of plants, including Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Glucosinolates give Brussels sprouts cancer-fighting superfood status. Increasing glucosinolate intake from these vegetables reduces the risk of developing some chronic diseases, including cancer. They assist in preventing the development and spread of cancer cells that can lead to bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancer.
Food as Medicine: Grapes
Grapes are one of nature’s most complete foods. They are little natural multivitamins known for their exceptional nutritional and curative qualities.
White, ruby, black, green, yellow, even pink, grape berries are full of pure water akin to mineral water. Grapes contain dissolved trace elements including molybdenum, titanium, rubidium, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, iodine that assist the body’s metabolic functions. Iron is present in large amounts, which can help to treat anemia. You will also find vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, PP, C, fatty acids, and tannins.
Grapes contain resveratrol, a powerful natural antioxidant that helps repair cell damage caused by free radicals. Resveratrol may provide blood-pressure-lowering effects by producing more nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to relax. Grapes also have lycopene, lutein, bioflavonoids, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, manganese, and copper. The melatonin found in them will help you fall asleep.
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