SIMPLE SENSATIONAL SPROUTS, Vegan with carnivore option, low-salt, low-cost

Relax; this gets the sprouts done easily so you can get on with the rest of Christmas dinner!

first posted 2019; updated 12/2024

Simple but sensational: Steamed Sprouts with Savoury Spice Mix & Lemon
'Makes sprouts a tasty must-have; the spice mix utterly makes it!'

In this recipe, simplicity reigns.  67 steams them, dresses them with lemon juice and seasons them generously with one of 67's popular spice flavour-bomb -- Home-made Savoury Spice Mix -- which adds zing and sassiness.  Or  67's Middle Eastern Spice Mix to add touch of the souk. Any supermarket* or commercial spice mix will do also do in a pinch. 

Vegans can garnish the sprouts with Vegan Bacon Bits or baby-size Memorable Crunchy Croutons.   

Meat-eaters will adore crumbled Italian pancetta, Spanish Serrano ham or pastrami, baked a few minutes till easily crumbled, or common-all-garden bacon lardons fried till crisp and drained on paper towels.  

Cost: £2.50'ish (12/24) plus cost of garnishes (above, in copy) 

Makes: a large bowlful

Ingredients:
   400gm/14 oz baby sprouts (they cook faster & were on sale) or regular sprouts
   zest and juice of a lemon
   generous sprinkling 67 Savoury Spice Mix or Middle Eastern Spice Mix
   Garnishes:  (see above)
       
Method:

1. Remove tough outer leaves; cut a slight cross in the bottom of the sprouts to help them cook evenly
2. 
3. Cover in a solution of 90% water, 10% vinegar 20 mins; rinse, drain.
4. Spread in one layer on the bottom of a steamer basket (67 uses bamboo steamer baskets and a wok cover but metal steamers are fine.)
5. Place, covered, on top of boiling water; turn heat down a little
6.  (If using an oven steamer, covering is unnecessary)

6.  Cook 10-12 mins or until a sharp knife inserted in the middle meets a little resistance
7.  Transfer to a serving bowl; add zest & juice of lemon; stir.  Dribble over butter or fruity olive oil, if desired.
8. Generously sprinkle with 67 Savoury Spice Mix or Middle Eastern Spice Mix, tossing as you go to evenly distribute (supermarket or deli spice mix will also do)  

9.  Add garnish of choice and serve 

Comments:
'A godsend -- the easiest and most delicious way of cooking sprouts, ever.' Retired writer.

TIP:

Bamboo steamer trays with lids are available in several sizes from Chinatowns, online at Nesbit & Amazon and even in places like Wilco.  Metal wok covers are available in Chinatowns. Reasonable prices.

More vegetarian/vegan on Nav Bar/Recipes II

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This recipe has been developed by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.