Brussels Sprouts and Smoky Onions Cheddar on Toast

 
 

OK. I know that title may not sound that appealing to most of you. I know many of us would not equate "brussels sprouts" with "delicious".

But it is time to make a change, my friends.  Brussels sprouts, when prepared well, can be sublime. And I love, love, love using recipes that only use the leaves of the brussels sprouts (less room for error).

These brussels sprouts are mixed with diced, smokey onions that have been sauteed with smoky paprika. 

Let me also stress how important it is to use a good paprika. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I once used a paprika I bought at...  ... ...  CVS.  For months. It was a dollar.

I was in a bind!  I needed paprika and I couldn't find a grocery store!  

Wow. I'm embarrassed.

Well. Needless to say, that paprika did not have much flavor.  I replaced it with a much better, much more expensive jar of paprika and my life has never been the same.

Back to my description. Where was I?  Ah, yes.  These brussels sprouts are mixed with diced, smokey onions that have been sauteed with smoky paprika. The slightly tender leaves still hold a little bit of their crispness and provide a pleasing texture. The mixture is then put atop a crisp toast that is covered in melted, sharp cheddar cheese. The result taste is complex and surprising and phenomenally good.  Jack and I couldn't get enough of these. I will definitely make this again and again...with real paprika.  

Never again will I buy my spices from CVS Pharmacy! 

Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Onions on Cheddar Toast adapted from Food and Wine Magazine

1 pound brussels sprouts, thinly sliced lengthwise

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, finely diced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika

4 slices of multi-grain bread, toasted

4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 350F. In a pot of boiling, salted water, cook brussels sprout leaves until they are just tender, about 5 minutes.  Drain and pat dry.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet.  Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the paprika, cover and cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is just tender, about 10 minutes; add a little water if it dries out.

Add the brussels sprouts to the skillet and cook until tender throughout, about 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.

Arrange the toasts on a baking sheet, top with cheddar. Bake for 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted; mound the brussels sprouts and onions on top and serve. 

Comments

[lo]

This looks absolutely delicious! Of course, I'm a hopeless devotee to the humble brussels sprout... I think it's one of winter's finest veg.

Overcooking brussels sprouts is probably the biggest mistake anyone can make, as it makes the sprouts uber cabbagey, rather than sweet and tasty!

[Jennifer]

My mind was changed about brussels sprouts when I made Ina's roasted ones. OMG!

This looks delicious and hey, I bought some spices at a discount store once-I was out on my own for the first time...we gotta do what we gotta do.:)

This looks delicious!!!!!

[DailyChef]

The brussels sprouts didn't excite me or turn me off...but the smoky onions cheddar completely sold me. Yum! I'm definitely making this the next time I find myself with brussels sprouts.

[Nicole]

Don't feel bad, I think we've all subbed in an inferior ingredient and regretted it terribly :) Brussel sprouts are the best and I am slowly converting my husband by preparing them in tasty ways. This recipe looks so divine.

[shelly (cookies and cups)]

This does sound delicious! Smoky onions and cheddar...done!

[Eliana]

Paprika at CVS - you are too funny!!!! This looks super tastey.

[Christine @ Fresh Local and Best]

Ahhh! I know what it is like to be in bind, picking something up at the most convenient store only to arrive home to realize you were better off without it. This toast looks fab!

[jenn (Bread + Butter)]

I had no idea they sold paprika at CVS. hehehe... I've only begun to appreciate brussels sprouts in the last. I must get me some more ASAP. I do wish I had this for lunch though. Mmmmm...

[The Duo Dishes]

So funny! If you're in a bind, you gotta do what you gotta do. And then find a better one! We both LOVE brussels! This would pass the test.

[Jen]

I love brussels sprouts! These toasts look amazing! I could use a fresh jar of paprika - I promise not to go to CVS :)

[Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction]

Looks wonderful... I would love to snack on this tonight!

[bed frames]

I am not really fond of the Brussels sprouts but the onions made me crave for this! I hope I have all the ingredients in the pantry.

[Jenny]

Man that looks delicious. I love Brussels sprouts and I'm always looking for a new recipe - thank you for posting this!

[Natasha - 5 Star Foodie]

Sounds excellent! I'm giving Brussels sprouts another chance. We've just had some at a 5 star and they were so good!

[Christina]

You always make amazing looking food. I am so jealous of Jack who gets to try all your amazing food. I love brussel sprouts, so I'm so going to try these!

[Erica]

wow i've got to make that! i'm not much of a cook but that looks great!

-Erica
http://allaboutitt.blogspot.com/

[carli]

Wow. I have been on a brussel sprout binge this winter...We have eaten them every way possible (so I thought) about 2 days a week. I actually have a pound in the fridge right now and was starting to get just a little tired of them. I was wondering what new thing I could do and HERE IS MY ANSWER! Thanks for the post. Can't wait to try this.

Another really quick and yummy way you might like to try them...I make a b sprout "hash". Just mince up your b sprouts, cook in some olive oil over high heat until nicely browned. Toss with lots of caramelized onions, crispy bacon pieces, and lots of black pepper. Salt to taste. Too good!

[Sook]

It actually sounds very appealing to me! Yum!

[Karen]

Love sprouts! I just recently started using smoked paprika and adore it! I'm sure it was great on this!

[Carol Peterman]

Smoked paprika is one of the best single ingredients you can have on hand. I love it. I also love brussles sprouts and this recipe looks great!