Culinary SOS: Cleo’s Brussels sprouts

Dear SOS: Please, please, please get me the recipe for the Brussels sprouts at Cleo in Hollywood. My husband and I ordered a variety of food at our dinner there, and the Brussels sprouts stole the show. I would love to get the recipe. It’s the first time that my husband was actually excited to eat vegetables!

Caroline Livengood

Toluca Lake

Dear Caroline: I’ve never had Brussels sprouts quite like this before. It’s kind of like a salad — Brussels sprout leaves tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, capers and toasted almonds — except that the leaves are deep-fried first, giving the whole dish a surprising texture and crunch. My first couple of bites were a little curious, and then I couldn’t stop eating it. Hey, if deep-frying is what it takes to get your husband to eat his veggies, this dish is a fun introduction!

Cleo’s Brussels sprouts

Total time: 45 minutes

Servings: 2 to 4

Note: Adapted from Cleo restaurant in Hollywood.

10 to 12 Brussels sprouts

Vegetable oil for frying

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/8 teaspoon chile flakes

2 tablespoons drained (oil-packed) capers, more if desired

2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds, more if desired

2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Separate the leaves from the Brussels sprouts. To remove the leaves quickly and easily, core the sprouts at their base using a paring or tourne knife, then lightly press the cored sprouts to loosen the leaves.

2. In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot, add enough vegetable oil to come up the sides of the pot by about 3 inches. Heat the oil until a thermometer inserted reaches 360 degrees.

3. While the oil is heating, make the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Deep-fry the Brussels sprout leaves, a small handful at a time, just until the leaves begin to crisp around the edges, 15 to 30 seconds. Be careful, because the oil may splatter a bit as the leaves are added. Remove the leaves immediately and drain on a paper-towel lined rack, pressing the leaves with paper towels to remove excess oil. Continue frying the leaves, in small batches, until all of them are cooked.

5. To assemble the dish, place the fried leaves in a large bowl, add one-half of the vinaigrette, along with the chile flakes, capers, almonds and parsley. Gently toss, then taste and adjust the flavorings and seasonings as desired. Serve immediately.

Each of 4 servings: 153 calories; 3 grams protein; 6 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 14 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 1 gram sugar; 142 mg sodium.