Brussels sprouts are a leftover food trauma from childhood that I've finally overcome. The limp, stinky-sulfur blobs (sorry, Mom) have been replaced with a crisp, roasted vegetable that is full of flavor and befitting a fall feast. Best of all, these are easy to make and a perfect vehicle for one of my favorite spice blends, Israeli Za'atar. The combination of herbs, sesame and sumac make this spice blend good enough to eat straight out of the jar, but it is even better on the brussels sprouts. A sprinkle of nigella seeds tops the dish off with an exotic garnish and a hint of nutty onion flavor.
Brussels Sprouts with Za'atar and Nigella

Brussels sprouts are a leftover food trauma from childhood that I've finally overcome. The limp, stinky-sulfur blobs (sorry, Mom) have been replaced with a crisp, roasted vegetable that is full of flavor and befitting a fall feast. Best of all, these are easy to make and a perfect vehicle for one of my favorite spice blends, Israeli Za'atar. The combination of herbs, sesame and sumac make this spice blend good enough to eat straight out of the jar, but it is even better on the brussels sprouts. A sprinkle of nigella seeds tops the dish off with an exotic garnish and a hint of nutty onion flavor.

Brussels sprouts are a leftover food trauma from childhood that I've finally overcome. The limp, stinky-sulfur blobs (sorry, Mom) have been replaced with a crisp, roasted vegetable that is full of flavor and befitting a fall feast. Best of all, these are easy to make and a perfect vehicle for one of my favorite spice blends, Israeli Za'atar. The combination of herbs, sesame and sumac make this spice blend good enough to eat straight out of the jar, but it is even better on the brussels sprouts. A sprinkle of nigella seeds tops the dish off with an exotic garnish and a hint of nutty onion flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal - Kosher SaltDiamond Crystal - Kosher SaltDiamond Crystal is our go-to all purpose kosher salt. Developed in 1886 using a special process which creates a unique, hollow, multi-faceted crystals, this all-purpose salt is free ...
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Za'atar - IsraeliZa'atar - IsraeliZa'atar is a time honored spice blend, and regional variations are beloved throughout the Middle East. This Israeli version is a simple mix of herbs, toasted sesame seeds and sumac. ...
- 1/2 teaspoon Nigella SeedNigella SeedNigella seeds have a mild, nutty onion flavor, and they are used as a condiment in India and the Middle East on flatbreads and vegetable dishes. Their shape has an interesting appeal...
- freshly ground Peppercorn - Black - VietnamesePeppercorn - Black - VietnameseVietnamese black pepper has a delightful flavor- peppery as pepper should be with a fresh layer of flavor on top. This peppercorn has a mellow complexity, with all kinds of playful f...
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Trim the stems on the brussels sprouts, remove the outer leaves and cut in half.
In a large bowl, combine the brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and kosher salt, and toss to coat.
Transfer the brussels sprouts to a lightly oiled sheet pan and roast, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Return the brussels sprouts to the bowl and add the balsamic vinegar and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, tossing again to coat. Sprinkle on the Israeli Za'atar and season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
Transfer the roasted brussels sprouts to a serving dish and garnish with nigella seeds.
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Brussels Sprouts with Za'atar and Nigella
| Side Dishes
Brussels sprouts are a leftover food trauma from childhood that I've finally overcome. The limp, stinky-sulfur blobs (sorry, Mom) have been replaced with a crisp, roasted vegetable that is full of flavor and befitting a fall feast. Best of all, these are easy to make and a perfect vehicle for one of my favorite spice blends, Israeli Za'atar. The combination of herbs, sesame and sumac make this spice blend good enough to eat straight out of the jar, but it is even better on the brussels sprouts. A sprinkle of nigella seeds tops the dish off with an exotic garnish and a hint of nutty onion flavor.
Amanda Bevill
Amanda Bevill