Adult Content Warning

This community may contain adult content that is not suitable for minors. By closing this dialog box or continuing to navigate this site, you certify that you are 18 years of age and consent to view adult content.

Beets, Brussels sprouts, and other challenges

Discussion in 'Cooking' started by scotchcrotch, Apr 1, 2018.

  1. scotchcrotch

    scotchcrotch
    Expand Collapse
    Emotionally Jaded

    Reputation:
    80
    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2009
    Messages:
    2,446
    Location:
    ATL
    I consider myself open to pretty much any kind of food. I’ll try anything at least once and often many times over the course of my life as tastes change. For instance- I hated eggs and mushrooms until I was in my 20s. Now I make mushroom omelette nearly every weekend.

    There are a few foods I’ve all but given up on- beets and brussel sprouts come to mind. I’ve tried dozens of incarnations of both and have been let down everytime.

    What are some preparatios that would change peoples’ minds on “difficult” foods?

    Yes, I’ve had brussel sprouts cooked in bacon and they’re ok. But it’s sort of cheating....bacon cooked in anything is going to taste pretty good.
     
  2. Improper

    Improper
    Expand Collapse
    Disturbed

    Reputation:
    129
    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2009
    Messages:
    464
    This is not very helpful, but I just pickle beets, if I grow them. I enjoy them that way......but pretty much ONLY that way.
     
  3. Nettdata

    Nettdata
    Expand Collapse
    Mr. Toast

    Reputation:
    2,859
    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2006
    Messages:
    25,670
  4. Revengeofthenerds

    Revengeofthenerds
    Expand Collapse
    ER Frequent Flyer Platinum Member

    Reputation:
    1,045
    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2011
    Messages:
    12,973
    This is the only recipe you really need for brussel sprouts. Cook bacon, chop up bacon, add butter to bacon grease, add brussel sprouts and onion (I also add garlic) to the bacon grease and butter and cook them in that. Add back in bacon at the end.

    Simple, delicious, cheap.

    An idiot can make it taste like heaven'**, it's impossible to fuck up as-is, and of course there's a thousand ways to make it even with additional spices at the like.

    cooking basically anything in/with bacon grease makes it delicious, just don't do it naked
     
  5. Whatthe...

    Whatthe...
    Expand Collapse
    Experienced Idiot

    Reputation:
    35
    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2009
    Messages:
    174
    I will only eat Brussel sprouts if I roast them. I do them with Yams, and Broccoli. Toss them in a little oil with Salt, Pepper, and random spices (usually coriander, oregano, thyme). Sometimes I throw in a bit of cinnamon, or garam masala, smoked paprika, skies the limit. Spread in a single layer and fire in an oven a 425 for 30 ish minutes or until the yams are soft and everything else is crispy. Give the pan a shake about halfway through.
     
  6. sisterkathlouise

    sisterkathlouise
    Expand Collapse
    Emotionally Jaded

    Reputation:
    160
    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2009
    Messages:
    830
    I've been putting beets in basically everything this winter because we always get them in our CSA. Borscht is alright but doesn't have great replay value. So they've made appearances in pho (holy bright pink rice noodles), coconut curry, and all manner of soups and salads. I even made some passable beet/feta "burgers" but the kitchen looked like a crime scene and it wasn't worth the effort.

    My favorite way to have beets is in salad along with goat cheese, avocado, arugula and candied walnuts, plus or minus some french lentils if you want to call it a full meal. I roast the beets with salt/pepper/olive oil/sweet aged balsamic until they're really caramelized. I feel like the trick with beets is getting them to cross over from tasting dirty and muddy to tasting sweet and delightful, which usually takes some time and patience.