Za'atar Brussels Sprouts

This December, I wanted to do something fun for you this holiday season that not only keeps you eating good, but feeling good too.

So, I created a Fiber Advent Calendar that you can download and follow for the next 25 days…

My goal with this is to have you try to incorporate a different source of fiber each day. From fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains — this is your ultimate way to learn that eating different sources of fiber each day is possible AND easy.

Each day of the month I’ll also be posting a recipe on my social media using the fiber source of the day. This way you can see how your favorite gut health RD would actually use these ingredients in real life — simple, flavorful, and totally doable even during the busiest time of year.

My hope is that by the end of these 25 days, you’ll not only hit your fiber goals without overthinking it, but you’ll also feel more confident, creative, and inspired in the kitchen.

Whether you’re trying to support digestion, balance blood sugar, stay fuller longer, or just feel GOOD in your body through the holidays, this Fiber Advent Calendar is going to be your daily dose of nourishment, but in a festive way. Did I mention that most of the fiber sources I chose are seasonal to the month of December?

*A reminder: When you eat foods that are naturally in season, they are not only going to be fresher and tastier, but more nutritious than if they weren’t in season. We want to eat foods that aren’t traveling too long to get to us, that’s how they lose their taste and freshness. Studies show that produce picked at their peak of ripeness are going to contain more nutrients when allowed to ripen on their parent plant.

So grab your download, follow along on socials, Instagram and TikTok -- and let’s make this December the month you prioritize your gut — one delicious, fiber-filled day at a time.

Recipe #7: Za'atar Brussels Sprouts

I remember my time working at the hospital during my dietetic internship and having patients always tell me that they hated eating brussels sprouts because they tasted so gross. I told them my secret way of making brussels sprouts taste delicious and hopefully they took my advice. These are my Za'atar Brussels Sprouts and they are a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this often-misunderstood vegetable! The combination of Za’atar, olive oil, and simple seasonings transforms Brussels sprouts from bitter and bland to crispy, nutty, and fragrant.

These Brussels sprouts make a perfect side dish for dinner, a healthy snack, or even a topping for salads or grain bowls. Pro tip: Make sure to cut them evenly and roast on a hot sheet pan so every piece gets that perfect crisp edge.

Yields: 2 people

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

This recipe is gluten free and vegetarian. This recipe can be easily dairy free without the addition of the feta.

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Ingredients:

1 bag Brussels sprouts, washed, ends chopped, halved

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp za’atar

1 tsp honey

1 tsp cornstarch

½ tsp salt (or to taste)

Black pepper to taste

½ tsp garlic powder

Juice of ½ lemon

3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F: Place an empty sheet pan in the oven while it preheats. This is going to help ensure your brussels are crispy.

2. Prep Brussels sprouts: Trim the ends, cut them in half, and place them in a bowl. Season with olive oil, za'atar, honey, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.

3. Add Brussels to the hot sheet pan: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Spread the sprouts cut-side down for best browning. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.

4. Garnish: Gently remove from oven, place onto serving dish of choice, squeeze on fresh lemon juice and garnish with crumbled feta. Enjoy!

I hope you love this recipe as much as I did, so if you do, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I always read through my suggestions and comments, so please let me know your thoughts. If you have any questions you can feel free to DM me here or through Instagram. Speaking of Instagram - please tag me in all of your creations! I love seeing how the recipes come out and seeing how talented you all are. Sending my love.

xoxo,

Jasmin D the RD

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