Roast sprouts with pomegranate and sesame seeds

Roast sprouts with pomegranate and sesame seeds is a colourful and tasty vegetable side dish which is simple to prepare.

This sprout recipe is a perfect way to make use of seasonal produce during the winter months. Similar to hasselback carrots and spicy roast cauliflower, this dish is perfect for serving to guests and is great for regular family meals too.

The quantities in this roast Brussels sprout recipe are sufficient for two servings as a side dish but can easily be adjusted to make whatever quantity you like.

Ingredients

• 300g Brussels sprouts - use fresh sprouts. Frozen sprouts are not suitable for this recipe as they contain too much water.

• 50g pomegranate arils - pomegranate arils add colour and texture to this seasonal vegetable dish.

• 1 dessertspoon toasted sesame seeds - toasted sesame seeds have more flavour than untoasted seeds. You can buy them ready toasted or can lightly cook your own seeds in a wide pan, but take care not to cook them too long as they will burn easily.

• Olive oil - use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for maximum flavour.

How to prepare roast sprouts with pomegranate and sesame seeds

Start by cutting the sprouts in half from top to bottom, so that the cut passes through the core.

Heat a dash of olive oil in a large roasting tin. Place the sprouts cut side down in the hot oil.

Turn the sprouts over after about 10 to 15 minutes, return to the oven and continue to roast until they soften slightly and start to turn golden. This may take around 20 minutes but will vary depending on the size of the sprouts.

Add the pomegranate arils and sesame seeds, mix together and then return to the oven for about another 5 minutes until heated through.

Your roast Brussels sprouts are now ready to serve. Alternatively, it can be transferred to an ovenproof dish, covered with foil and then kept warm in the oven until you are ready to serve the rest of your meal. The roast sprouts with pomegranate can also be reheated either in the oven or microwave.

Tips

1. For best results, use fresh sprouts for this recipe. Frozen sprouts contain too much water.
2. Ideally use toasted sesame seeds as they have more flavour than non-toasted seeds.
3. This sprout recipe is ideal if you need to prepare part of your meal ahead of time. It can be placed in an ovenproof bowl, covered with foil and reheated in the oven. Alternatively, it can be reheated in a microwave in a suitable container.

Other easy vegetable dishes