This Might Be The Easiest Way To Shred Brussels Sprouts By Hand
Ah, the wide, wonderful world of cruciferous vegetables. Which veggie do you love the most? Bok choy? Broccoli? Cauliflower? Cabbage, kohlrabi, or collard greens? We enjoy the hearty taste and myriad health benefits of cruciferous vegetables, which are low in calories and high in folate; vitamins C, E, and K; and fiber (via Healthline). They're also rich in phytonutrients, plant-based compounds that may help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer.
One cruciferous veggie that we happen to love is the humble Brussels sprout. Cute-as-a-button mini cabbages that grow on a stalk, this hearty veg takes well to a variety of preparations, from shaved into a bright, raw salad to roasted with bacon to sliced into pancetta pasta. Lots of recipes call for shredded Brussels sprouts, which is an easy-peasy task if you've got a food processor. But if you want to do it by hand, the little guys can make this work finicky.
Read on to find out the best way to tackle this task with just a knife and a cutting board.
A sharp knife is your best friend
If you love Brussels sprouts like we do, then you know that preparing these tiny little cabbages can be a bit labor intensive. Many recipes call for shredding the sprouts, from this simple sauté to this salad with brown butter dressing. If you have a food processor, this task takes all of a few seconds, but if you don't — or just don't feel like busting it out — you can still easily shred a bunch of Brussels using just a good, sharp knife.
The first step in preparing Brussels sprouts is to remove them from their stalk, if they're still on it, then give them a good rinse (via PopSugar). Using your knife, slice off the woody stem at the bottom of each sprout, then use your hands to peel off the outermost leaves, which tend to be dry and tough. Slice each sprout lengthwise, placing each half flat on the cutting board, then thinly slice them crosswise.
Finally, use your hands to break up the layers in each little slice. And voila! You're ready to enjoy perfectly shredded sprouts, either crisp and raw, or tender and cooked.