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Tahini Caesar Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Breadcrumbs and Sunflower Seeds Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 125 reviews

This Tahini-Caesar Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe transforms the humble Brussels sprout into a rich, flavorful side dish. Roasted to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy tahini-based Caesar dressing with anchovies, garlic, and Parmesan, then topped with crunchy toasted whole-wheat breadcrumbs and roasted sunflower seeds, this dish is a perfect blend of smoky, nutty, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Brussels Sprouts

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Tahini Caesar Dressing

  • 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, chopped
  • 1 large garlic clove, chopped
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons tahini (or 1 egg yolk as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Breadcrumbs & Garnish

  • 2 cups hearty whole-wheat bread, broken into craggy pieces
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 500°F and position the racks in the middle and lowest sections to prepare for roasting.
  2. Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, seasoning them generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange them cut side down on a baking sheet in a single layer and cover tightly with foil.
  3. Roast Brussels Sprouts: Place the covered baking sheet on the lowest oven rack and roast for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and continue roasting on the lowest rack for an additional 7–10 minutes, until the sprouts achieve a deep golden brown color.
  4. Make Anchovy-Garlic Paste: On a cutting board, combine chopped anchovies, garlic, and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt. Mince and mash the mixture with a chef’s knife until it forms a smooth paste. Optionally, use a mortar and pestle or anchovy paste and grated garlic as substitutes.
  5. Mix Tahini Dressing Base: In a large bowl placed on a damp towel to prevent slipping, whisk together tahini, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until combined.
  6. Emulsify Dressing: While whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a steady stream to create a thick and glossy emulsion resembling mayonnaise.
  7. Adjust Dressing Consistency: Add a small amount of water as needed, whisking to achieve a creamy consistency similar to heavy cream.
  8. Incorporate Anchovy Mixture and Parmesan: Add the anchovy-garlic paste and finely grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing; whisk until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  9. Toss Brussels Sprouts in Dressing: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts into the bowl with the tahini Caesar dressing and toss well to coat each sprout evenly.
  10. Prepare Breadcrumbs: Toss the whole-wheat bread pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  11. Toast Breadcrumbs: Roast the bread pieces on the middle oven rack for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crunchy.
  12. Assemble and Serve: Transfer the dressed Brussels sprouts to a serving platter. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs and roasted sunflower seeds over the top for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute tahini with one egg yolk if preferred, keeping the dressing creamy and rich.
  • For a smoother dressing, use a mortar and pestle for the anchovy-garlic paste or anchovy paste and grated garlic as shortcut options.
  • Ensure Brussels sprouts are arranged cut side down initially to achieve the best caramelization.
  • Adjust water in the dressing gradually to reach your preferred thickness.
  • Use whole-wheat bread for breadcrumbs to add a hearty texture and boost fiber content.
  • Roast the sunflower seeds in advance or replace with toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, tahini Caesar dressing, roasted Brussels sprouts, healthy side dish, vegetarian side, whole-wheat breadcrumbs, garlic anchovy dressing

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/tahini-caesar-roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-crispy-breadcrumbs-and-sunflower-seeds-recipe/