I Am Ecstatic: Roasted Maple Miso Brussels Sprouts
An invitation to slow down, savor the season, and find gratitude in the simple act of nourishment.
There is something beautiful about preparing a meal with intention. Choosing ingredients, appreciating their colors and textures, and sharing food with people we love can turn an everyday experience into a meaningful ritual.
One of my favorite restaurants in Santa Monica is Café Gratitude, known for its creative, nourishing plant-based cuisine and its thoughtful approach to food.
Their cookbook, Love Is Served: Inspired Plant-Based Recipes from Southern California, celebrates the connection between food, mindfulness, and conscious living.
With Thanksgiving approaching, I wanted to share a seasonal favorite: I Am Ecstatic: Roasted Maple Miso Brussels Sprouts.
This dish combines the earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts with a rich, savory-sweet maple miso glaze. The result is a comforting, flavorful side dish that feels especially fitting for autumn gatherings.
Recipe credited to Café Gratitude, adapted in presentation from the version published by Sunset Magazine.
Preparation time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cooking time: Approximately 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes
Oven temperature: 375°F
Yield: Approximately 6–8 side-dish servings
Ingredients
For the Maple Miso Glaze
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons white miso paste
1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons tamari
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Brussels Sprouts
2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
A little additional olive oil for preparing the baking sheet
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the maple miso glaze
Add the maple syrup, white miso paste, apple cider vinegar, and tamari to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and combined.
With the blender running at a moderate speed, gradually pour in the olive oil to create a creamy, emulsified glaze. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with olive oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Brussels sprouts
Rinse and dry the Brussels sprouts. Remove any damaged or tough outer leaves, trim the ends, and slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
Step 4: Coat with the glaze
Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add the maple miso glaze and gently toss until the sprouts are evenly coated.
Step 5: Roast until caramelized
Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast for approximately 25 minutes, turning occasionally to encourage even cooking.
The Brussels sprouts are ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has developed golden, caramelized edges.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and enjoy while warm.
A Moment of Gratitude Before the Meal
Before taking your first bite, pause for a moment.
Notice the colors, textures, and aromas of the food in front of you.
Consider the many hands and natural processes that helped bring this meal to your table.
Whether you are sharing a Thanksgiving gathering with loved ones or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, allow this simple moment to become an expression of appreciation.
Nourishment is more than what we eat. It is also how we care for ourselves and connect with the world around us.
More from Café Gratitude
If you enjoy creative, plant-based cooking, I encourage you to explore Love Is Served: Inspired Plant-Based Recipes from Southern California by Seizan Dreux Ellis and Café Gratitude.
The cookbook offers an inspiring collection of recipes that bring the restaurant's approach to nourishment into your own kitchen.
Explore the Love Is Served cookbook
View the published Brussels sprouts recipe on Sunset Magazine
May your table be filled with nourishment, connection, and gratitude this season.
Love + Gratitude,
