Creamy, crunchy, spicy and caramalized.
Food & Drink Photographer and Cookbook author, Joe Woodhouse created a sensational dish which holds the perfect balance of textures and flavours to elevate the humble Brussels sprouts.
All elements can be prepped ahead and then assembled when you are ready to serve. The Brussels take no time to cook. Joe loves to roast the vegetable to create a lovely crispy and caramelized outer, with soft, steamed centres. You can undercook the onion and chilli in the chutney so it retains a crunch and a freshness, cooked through but not fully softened.
Here is how to make the roast brussels sprouts…
Preheat the oven to 200.C (400.F), Gas Mark 6.Toss the bread in 2–3 tablespoons of oil. Add to a baking tray and toast in the oven for 10–12 minutes until golden. Blitz to crumbs in a blender, or leave whole or hand cut if you prefer.
Meanwhile, add 2 tablespoons of oil to a medium pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, celery and chillies with a pinch of Maldon Salt and cook for 5–7 minutes. Add the tomatoes. Half-fill the can with water and add to the pan. Bring to a simmer and bubble away for 15minutes until thickened. It still wants to be loose but not watery. Add the honey and check if it needs more Maldon Salt. Set aside.
Increase the oven temperature to 220.C (425.F),Gas Mark 7. Using the same tray as the croutons, brushout any remaining crumbs and add the Brussels with 3 tablespoons of oil and a good pinch of salt. Roast for 12 minutes. You want to roast them quickly, getting colour on the outside and cooking through without going overly soft in the middle. If they need a bit more, keep them in a minute or two longer. Feel free to give the tray a shake once or twice to aid them in cooking evenly.
Meanwhile, mix the lemon juice with the tahini and trickle in a few tablespoons of cold water. Keep working it with a whisk and adding water until you get a smooth consistency which holds its shape. If it gets too loose, just add a spoon or two of tahini and combine it to help firm up the mix.
Spoon the tahini mixture onto plates or a serving dish, followed by the Brussels sprouts. Then dot around the tomato chutney. You made not need it all, see how you go. Finish with the crouton crumbs and a drizzle of oil.
