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What should replace sprouts in a Xmas dinner?

191 replies

TheShed7 · 02/12/2025 18:15

Clearly they take up valuable space that could be better utilised. So what should we have instead? Probably veg is good to have, but let's have a decent one instead.

And let's keep this honest. We are all grown ups here, so nobody needs to pretend to like the balls of doom. Even if you are adding bacon or chestnuts to hide the taste of them.

OP posts:
Millytante · 02/12/2025 19:19

purpleygrey · 02/12/2025 19:06

Agree. I bloody love them. Actually my favourite vegetable

Me too. It’s spuds I have to force myself to consume!
But sprouts, God they're begorgeous.

MiddleAgedDread · 02/12/2025 19:18

TheHateIsNotGood · 02/12/2025 19:03

Roast parsnips and boiled carrots.

They should be as well as the sprouts, not instead of!

TheShed7 · 02/12/2025 19:18

Coconutter24 · 02/12/2025 19:08

I think your own post proves that this is wrong and definitely not a scientific fact. It sounds like most people love or at least like a sprout

You sound like a Coldplay fan

OP posts:
CaptainMyCaptain · 02/12/2025 19:16

I love sprouts but there's no should about it. You eat what you like.

Yellowsubmarine55 · 02/12/2025 19:15

Tenderstem broccoli is our replacement as me and kids don't have sprouts. I have to cook some for others though.

ContentedAlpaca · 02/12/2025 19:13

Cauli and broccoli cheese.

Mandarinaduck · 02/12/2025 19:13

Absolutely adore sprouts; love the bitterness and the Christmassy feeling.

I think carrots go well with a roast, otherwise what about kale or purple sprouting broccoli?

catontheironingboard · 02/12/2025 19:12

I dislike sprouts, but really like kalettes, which are like a cross between sprouts and kale. Like curly little dark green buds, but they taste nutty and fresh, not sprouty. Ideal sprout substitution for Christmas dinner!

lecoindemel.com/kalettes-the-love-child-of-kale-brussel-sprouts-kalettes-12-ways/

We also sometimes do a dark savoy cabbage instead of sprouts too.

Pollqueen · 02/12/2025 19:10

MyThreeWords · 02/12/2025 19:03

... But if you are mad enough not to want sprouts, the natural replacement at Christmas dinner is Ferrero Rocher. (Or you could just wrap each sprout in Ferrero Rocher foil to make them extra special.)

🤣🤣🤣

Coconutter24 · 02/12/2025 19:08

TheShed7 · 02/12/2025 18:46

There are certain things that people 100% cannot like.

War
Poverty
Murder
Mrs Browns Boys
Coldplay
Sprouts

That's just scientific fact.

I think your own post proves that this is wrong and definitely not a scientific fact. It sounds like most people love or at least like a sprout

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 02/12/2025 19:07

weaselwords · 02/12/2025 18:17

Nothing. Nothing can replace their perfection.

Second reply nails it. I feel sorry for people whose palates are not able to appreciate this fine brassica.

purpleygrey · 02/12/2025 19:06

weaselwords · 02/12/2025 18:17

Nothing. Nothing can replace their perfection.

Agree. I bloody love them. Actually my favourite vegetable

localbutterfly · 02/12/2025 19:06

Broccoli rabe, broccolini, bok choy, or okra.

BarnacleBeasley · 02/12/2025 19:05

I think sprouts are only okay, but they do have a specific role in the Christmas dinner as they add a touch of bitterness which is quite welcome in a meal that is otherwise rich. So I think if replacing it has to be something else cabbagey and green, maybe finely shredded steamed savoy.

MyThreeWords · 02/12/2025 19:03

... But if you are mad enough not to want sprouts, the natural replacement at Christmas dinner is Ferrero Rocher. (Or you could just wrap each sprout in Ferrero Rocher foil to make them extra special.)

ItsFridayIminLoveJS · 02/12/2025 19:03

Nothing.. my favourite veg.. button sprouts so they're a bit sweeter... my daughter always said she doesn't like sprouts ( l can't remember her ever trying them).. her wife did them with a roast last Sunday.. told me first time she's had them.. and she loves them.

TheHateIsNotGood · 02/12/2025 19:03

Roast parsnips and boiled carrots.

MyThreeWords · 02/12/2025 18:58

Replace each sprout with three sprouts. That way you can have twice as many on Christmas Day and still have some cold directly from the saucepan on Boxing Day.

They are nutty and delicious. Fun-sized cabbages.

ChristmasMantleStatue · 02/12/2025 18:57

i once had sprouts, cold as part of a mezze platter.

Halved. Par-boiled. Then marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and mint. Topped with crumbled feta.

Very good. Really.

SparklyGlitterballs · 02/12/2025 18:56

I never cared much for boiled sprouts. Now they get par-boiled for a couple of minutes, shredded, and pan fried with bacon lardons. I love them and eat them willingly. No pretending or forcing in this house.

BettyBobble · 02/12/2025 18:54

weaselwords · 02/12/2025 18:17

Nothing. Nothing can replace their perfection.

Agree

itsthetea · 02/12/2025 18:54

Save the sprout!
sprouts are for life not just Christmas!
what do we want - sprouts. When do we want them - now and Christmas

StupidHappyClocks · 02/12/2025 18:51

Something green, I suppose. Broccoli or cabbage or green beans? But no. No no no! Genuinely love a sprout (and actually hate it when people add bacon and chestnuts and butter. Why add to perfection?)

Mathsbabe · 02/12/2025 18:51

Bring the sprouts on. Fab veg we eat throughout the season.

LakieLady · 02/12/2025 18:51

CatsorDogsrule · 02/12/2025 18:18

I love sprouts. No need to disguise them. 🤷‍♀️

Me too! They might even be my favourite green veg. When cooked well, they're bloody delicious.

Any leftover sprouts are fantastic chopped and used for bubble and squeak, too.

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