Brussel sprout gratin

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my idea to write a travel and recipe book. Unlike many other travel or recipe books, it would combine both. For each location, it would have some interesting facts and recommendations things to see and do. The second part would be some recipes of traditional foods to remind you of the trip. As Brussels was the first real travel post, the first food will be from Brussels. This is our recipe for Brussel sprout gratin.

Belgians and sprouts

Brussels is famous for its sprouts. They have even been named after the city. Apart from cheese and sausage, how many foods can say that?

Belgians eat a lot of sprouts. However, in my experience they eat even more chicory (witlof). Their favourite way to eat it is as gratin. It is almost their national dish, and probably would be if it wasn’t for muscles, fries and chocolate.

The tip to eating both Brussel sprouts and witlof is to eat them when they are fresh. Chicory, in particular, will get more and more bitter, once it has been picked. Whether you are lucky enough to get some straight from the market or find some at the supermarket: eat them as soon as you get them.

Recipe notes

This recipe is based on a traditional chicory gratin, but has been adapted for Brussel sprouts. Many Brussel sprout gratins will use bacon instead of ham, but I find the saltiness overpowering. The traditional witlof gratin almost always uses ham.

I used schmand in this recipe, but it is not available in all countries. It is a cross between cream and crème frâiche or sour cream. You can use either of these as alternatives.

I prefer to use freshly grated nutmeg in my recipes. I find it is has a nicer taste and smell and doesn’t taste ‘stale’. It is a staple in our mash potato or béchamel sauce, for example. I use this one, but you can use any fine grater or pick up one cheaply at a kitchen store. I have a friend who uses a mini grater the is actually a kids toy – works a treat! If you do

We recommend Comte cheese for this recipe. If you can’t get Comte, try gruyere or a combination. Otherwise use whatever cheese you have – cheddar, emmentaler, Swiss – probably not mozzarella or parmesan though.

This Brussel sprout gratin is great as a side dish with steak or for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. My husband loved it and went back for thirds: this is almost unheard of when it comes to vegetables!