Epicure Fries Up a Batch of Brussels Sprouts Boasting with Flavor

Here’s something you won’t forget: Eating a diet that’s rich in vitamins and nutrients can help boost your memory. In the sixth episode of Epicure with Chef MDs hosted by our very own Marc Silverstein, owner of Good Stuff Eatery and former Food Network favorite and Top Chef contestant, Chef Spike Mendelsohn, shows us how to prepare a delicious recipe that is surprisingly healthy for you and your brain – fried brussels sprouts.

Dr. Pritha Ghosh, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at The GW Medical Faculty Associates, works alongside Chef Spike Mendelsohn and takes the fear out of frying. She explains that fried food can be healthy depending on the type of oil used. Mendelsohn’s choice of grape seed oil is key because it is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Vitamin E is great for memory, and studies show that it promotes anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-allergic activity.

Mendelsohn also makes sure to point out that there is more to healthy frying than just using grapeseed oil. The trick is to heat the oil at the right temperature (375 degrees F) and to not overcrowd the pan. This preserves the nutrients and avoids having the food soak in too much oil. The food you fry is also key to the health of the dish. In this case, brussels sprouts are a great brain boosting vegetable because they contain vitamin E, vitamin C, phytochemicals, omega 3 fatty acids, and help protect DNA inside of white blood cells.

Add red chili flakes and lemon juice to boost flavor without any guilt, and Mendelsohn’s fried Brussels sprouts are the perfect finger food that you can feel good about eating. Plus, your brain will thank you later!

Catch the latest episode of Epicure with the Chef MDs above.