Christmas 2008

The finished product

If, like me, the thought of tucking into brussel sprouts is enough to put you off your Christmas dinner, then chef Mohammed Ali Haydor may be here to rescue you!

Ali is the owner of the Kushi Balti House in Moseley and has come up with a way of giving the much-maligned sprout an Asian twist.

It’s called the 'sprout and leek bhaji' and is a variation on the much-loved onion bhaji.

Prepared sprouts and leaks

"We always do traditional Christmas dinners here," says Ali. "I'd noticed that a lot of people always leave their sprouts! When I asked why, I was told that they were bland and had no taste.

"Customers said that they'd eat them if I could do something different with them. So I tried a few things with various dishes but then hit on the bhajis idea."

The recipe consists of chopped sprouts and leeks, mixed in with spices, onions and flour. Portions are then moulded and dropped into hot vegetable oil.

The bhaji mixture

Ali says the whole process takes just 10 minutes and that the bhajis are loved by sprout lovers and haters alike.

He says: "Bhajis may not be the traditional accompaniment to roast turkey and all the trimmings, but I hope that people who hate sprouts will try the recipe and be pleasantly surprised.

"It's so easy to follow, and I'm convinced that it could change people's attitudes towards sprouts!

Bhajis cooking.

"They've proven to be really popular with sprout lovers and haters alike. Maybe a little too popular! We had a group come all the way from Kidderminster last night just to try them but I'd run out. Guys, if you're reading this, I promise I'll have more next time!"

Ali has put the recipe for the sprout bhajis, along with a short video, on his website for all of us to follow. To see it, visit www.kushibalti.co.uk.