Brussels Sprouts Curry
Hearty and deliciously satisfying Brussels Sprouts Curry is the perfect fall weeknight dinner! The curried brussels sprouts, potatoes, and carrots coated with a warm-spiced coconut curry sauce infused with tahini and sesame seeds are simply irresistible! It is a creamy and aromatic plant-based dish teeming with savory and nutty flavors with a mild kick! We like serving it over any kind of brown rice (brown jasmine and Bhutanese red rice are our current favorites!), or over rice noodles, soba noodles, or quinoa.
Healthy and Delicious Brussels Sprouts Curry
This is one of our favorite weeknight staple dinners. Aside from the fact that it is delectable and comes together in a jiffy, its nutritional and economical benefits cannot be ignored! It is rich in calcium, protein, and healthy fats from the sesame seeds. At the same time, the brussels sprouts provide vitamins and antioxidants that may decrease inflammation and promote heart health. You get all of these with a bunch of homegrown veggies and pantry staples! Your body will thank you for the fantastic flavors and abundant nutrition contained in this wholesome dish.
Selecting the best Brussels Sprouts!
These miniature cabbages might be available year-round, but they are at their prime when harvested during the cool and chilly weather of the fall season! Next time you see them in the farmer's market, take note of these tips to get the best ones for this recipe:
- Color: You want to look for sprouts that are bright green in color. Choose those that do not have yellow leaves or any black spots, as this indicates that the vegetable is no longer fresh.
- Feel: Brussels sprouts should be hefty and firm for their size. Avoid mushy or squishy sprouts.
- Size: Choose smaller Brussels sprouts over larger ones for the sweetest flavor and most tender texture.
Helpful tips:
- It's preferable to keep Brussels sprouts whole until ready to use. If preparing them ahead, I suggest trimming, chopping, or shredding Brussels sprouts no more than one to two days in advance and keeping them refrigerated in an airtight container.
- It is best to use the Brussels Sprouts within 5 days of buying them. Before you start cooking, double-check your sprouts. Discard any leaves that are discolored or sprouts that are mushy.
Ingredients Used to make Brussels Sprouts Curry
It might look like a lot of ingredients, but it's really not that bad. Just start chopping! The measurements are located in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients:
- Sesame oil - Will boost the nuttiness of the coconut curry sauce! However, if you do not have this, you can use any neutral cooking oil you have.
- Aromatics - I used onion, garlic, ginger. The perfect trio of savory, sweet, and warm veggies to start off the dish.
- Chile peppers - add a little extra zing! Choose the type depending on how spicy you want this meal to be. You can try using Thai, serrano, and ancho. If you prefer your dish less spicy, make sure to deseed the peppers before chopping.
- Vegetables - Brussels sprouts are the star of the recipe, backed up with carrots and potatoes for a heartier dish. For the potatoes, you can use Yukon or russet.
- Full-fat coconut milk - makes a thick and rich sauce base.
- Tahini - is a Middle Eastern condiment made of toasted sesame seeds ground into a paste. We love how it adds a unique nutty flavor that is so addicting! You can substitute this with nut butter of your choice.
- Turmeric - Another spice commonly used in Asian foods. Aside from its wonderful flavor, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that may be beneficial to your health.
- Seasonings - we used rice vinegar to brighten the sauce, agave nectar to add a splash of sweetness, and soy sauce for some umami flavor! You can also use apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, or tamari as substitutes.
- Sesame seeds - you can also use chopped toasted peanuts.
- Salt and pepper - to taste.
Optional ingredients:
- Cilantro - gives that fresh and citrusy flavor.
- Sesame oil - to further boost the nuttiness and taste!
How to Make Sesame Brussels Sprouts Curry
- Prep your Brussels. Wash them in cold water. Slice off and discard the stem, then remove any discolored leaves. Cut the sprouts in half, make sure to have the same size for even cooking.
- Pour some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Throw in the onion, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper and cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and aromatic.
- Toss in the potato and brussels sprouts until well coated. Stir the coconut milk, tahini, turmeric, rice vinegar, sweetener, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook 5-10 minutes over medium-low heat, covered, until potato and sprouts are cooked through and tender.
- Toast sesame seeds or nuts in a small pan over low heat until golden brown.
- Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Garnish with cilantro and sesame oil if desired. Enjoy!
Storing Tips for you!
If you are making this ahead of storing your leftovers, it is always important to let it cool and store it within two hours after being cooked. Place it in a lidded container, or cover the bowl with cling film tightly. Consume it within a day or two. If you want to prolong their storage, place them in a freezer bag and place them in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When reheating, you might need to add water or plant-based milk to thin the sauce out.
Can’t get enough of Brussels Sprouts? Here are some yummy ways to use them!
- ‘Cheesy’ Roasted Tahini Brussels Sprouts - Crunchy mini cabbage, perfect as an appetizer or side dish to any main.
- Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing - These amazing little brussels sprouts seem like miniature cabbages, and they're the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas! It is simple yet healthy and easy to prepare.
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries - This interesting mix of Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries will wow you with its distinct flavors that will appeal to everyone. The sweet and sour flavor will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds, and you'll want to eat it again.
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Brussels Sprouts Curry
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
- ginger 1-inch piece, finely chopped
- 1 small chile pepper thai, serrano, ancho, all ok (de-seeded if less heat desired, chopped finely)
- 1 medium onion yellow or red , diced
- 1 medium carrot thinly sliced
- 1 medium potato diced (gold, yukon, sweet, russet are all okay)
- ½- pound brussels sprouts bottoms cut off and sliced in half
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk 13.5-ounce
- 2 tablespoons tahini or nut butter of choice
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or other vinegar
- 1 tablespoon agave or sweetener of choice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce tamari or coconut aminos (soy sauce substitute)
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup sesame seeds toasted in a skillet until golden (or chopped toasted peanuts)
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper, and saute for 2-3 minutes until softening and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add the potato and brussels sprouts and toss well to coat. Add coconut milk, tahini, turmeric, rice vinegar, sweetener, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer and cover pan, cooking 5-10 minutes over medium-low heat until potato and sprouts are cooked through and tender.
- In a small pan, toast sesame seeds or nuts over low heat until turning golden.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, top with cilantro if using, and sesame or nuts. Serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Notes
- It’s preferable to keep Brussels sprouts whole until ready to use. If preparing them ahead, I suggest trimming, chopping, or shredding Brussels sprouts no more than one to two days in advance and keeping them refrigerated in an airtight container.
- It is best to use the Brussels Sprouts within 5 days of buying them. Before you start cooking, double-check your sprouts. Discard any leaves that are discolored or sprouts that are mushy.
Nutrition
Reader Interactions
About Toni
Welcome to Plant-Based on a Budget! Here you’ll find affordable and easy-to-make recipes, and an inclusive, supportive approach to plant-based eating.
Leave a Reply