Can eating chocolate improve your eyesight? Do Brussels sprouts really count as ‘good greens’?
Well, it seems that eating dark chocolate and Brussels sprouts ‘could’ protect your eyesight according to Dr Google! Dark chocolate is considered to be high in antioxidants and Brussel sprouts are rich in Vitamin C.
These may not be scientific facts but as we head into Brussels sprouts season how about trying some recipes that could improve your intake of healthy greens.
Olive oil and garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts
Ingredients
400-500 grams Brussels sprouts
½ cup virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, crushed, peeled and sliced
½ cup coarsely grated fresh Parmesan
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Drizzle balsamic vinegar (optional)
Method
Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Pour the olive oil into a large ovenproof dish and place into the oven to preheat.
Cut a cross in the base of each Brussels sprout and peel away any tough outer leaves. Blanch quickly in boiling salted water for 1 minute and then drain well.
Transfer to the hot oil with the garlic.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until lightly roasted and tender. Season well with salt and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with the Parmesan, pine nuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, if using.
Thank you Allyson Gofton www.allysongofton.co.nz
Brussels sprouts, bacon and almonds
Ingredients
700g Brussels sprouts, halved
1 Tblsp olive oil
3 bacon rashers, diced
¼ cup slivered almonds
Method
Steam Brussels sprouts until bright green and just tender.
Heat olive oil in a frying pan on medium heat and cook bacon until crispy (about 3-4 minutes). Add almonds and cook a further minute until lightly toasted.
Add steamed Brussels sprouts to the pan and toss with bacon and almonds.
Delicious served with roast chicken and gravy.
Thank you Nadia Lim www.bite.co.nz
