Who loves Brussels Sprouts?

Oh yum yum! Brussels sprouts can be given to your baby from 10 months onwards. We love brussels sprouts in our house! But... they are definitely one of the polarising vegetables aren't they. People either love or hate them! But just in case you're one of the lovers, let's cover why they're oh so good!

Why are brussels sprouts so nutritious?

Brussels sprouts are full of fibre, meaning they will help keep your baby's digestive system moving!
They have been shown to protect the DNA from damage, just 1.25 cups a day! There seem to be some compounds in brussels sprouts that help to protect our DNA.
Brussels sprouts do not show any risk to the thyroid gland (unlike a number of other green leafy vegetables) so are great for those with sensitive systems.
They are high in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, folate and manganese - are you seeing a pattern with all the green vegetables supplying most of our nutritional requirements of Vit K and C in one serving?
Brussels sprouts are able to increase the glutathione in the body - and glutathione is the master antioxidant, cleaning up our brains and bodies of by-products (in fact glutathione is one of my favourite things to ensure you have enough of, if you are one of my patients)

How do you eat brussels sprouts?

They are best steamed or roasted. They aren't too tasty if hard and undercooked so give them the time and patience to be cooked all the way through.

5 Minute Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

500g brussels sprouts
1/2 medium red onion
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1 tsp parsley

Directions:

Step 1. Chop the brussels sprouts very finely or blend on speed 4 in the thermomix for 20 seconds

Step 2. Let them sit for 5-10min (while preparing the onion and garlic)

Step 3. Slice onion and press the garlic

Step 4. Place the onion in the steamer base with brussels sprouts on top and steam for 5 min

Step 5. Place in a bowl with the EVOO, garlic, lemon juice and parsley

Note: Research shows that fat soluble vitamins and carotenoids found in foods, such as Brussels Sprouts, may be better absorbed when consumed with fat-containing foods like extra virgin olive oil. Dressing helps tenderize Brussels Sprouts. 5-10 minutes after they are dressed you will find they will have become more tender.

They can be tricky to cook so dressing them will assist in ensuring they’re not too hard or bitter for your baby. So yummy with bacon, and an easy one for bub to pick up and eat themselves!

Have you got a favourite brussels sprout recipe? Share in the Fearless Foodies Facebook group!

Find many more delicious and nutritious baby food recipes in my new ebook 101 Baby Food Recipes (that your baby will love).