Lemon and Basil Brussels Sprouts

Looking for a new side for Thanksgiving? Here you go! These are delicious and fairly simple to make and if you have a food processor they’ll take hardly any time at all.

For some reason this was by far the most popular post on my old blog, Maybe because I was able to nearly recreate it within a month or so of it debuting on PF Chang's menu. It’s been my most viewed and most re-pinned recipe on Pinterest. 

I love Brussels sprouts and will order them on almost anyone’s menu as long as they don’t have meat. I hated Brussels sprouts as a kid, they were over boiled and reminded me of mushy baby cabbages, and why anyone would put red wine vinegar on them was beyond me. Anyway, these are not my mother’s Brussels sprouts. 

I grow basil in my garden so if you can’t find Thai basil you can substitute that, there’s not the much of a difference. Thai basil has purplish stems and the leaves are a little more textured. I found it at the local Asian market. (And am trying to get it to sprout so I can plant it.)

Lemon & Basil Brussels Sprouts

2 lbs Brussels sprouts

1 lemon (for zest and juice)

1 one inch piece of ginger peeled & grated

3 green onions

2 Tbsp Thai basil

2 cloves garlic

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Slice the Brussels sprouts and onion fairly thin, it’s easier using the slicing blade on the food processor. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and add the zest of the lemon, ginger, and salt.  Toss with the juice from the lemon.  

In a large skillet heat about 1 Tbsp of olive oil, add garlic cook for about 1 minute then add vegetable mixture.  Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes (half way through add the basil), add fresh ground pepper and more salt if needed.  Enjoy!

Start your day with lemon water

Starting your day with a cup of warm lemon water has tons of benefits.  The following information is taken from the website/book Hungry for Change.  I highly recommend the book and the documentary.

Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies
Lemons contain pectin fiber which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial.  It balances and maintains the pH levels in the body

• Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins

• It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile

• It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium

• It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases

• It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid

• It helps cure the common cold

• The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells

• It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute

• It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of a heart burn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief

• It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne

•  It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems

• Aids in the production of digestive juices

• Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session

Packed with all the goodness, make it a point to begin your day with a glass of warm lemon juice. Its cleansing and healing effects will have positive effects on your health in the long run. However it is very important to note that lemon juice when comes directly in contact with the teeth, can ruin the enamel on the teeth. Hence, it is advised to consume it diluted and also rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking lemon juice.