Brussels sprouts may have been one of the world's least desired dinner sides in the past, but in recent years, this trendy little veggie has made a big comeback. And thanks to chef Nick Anderer’s Martina Pizzeria in New York City, Brussels sprouts now even have a starring role ... as a pizza topping.
And the dish has even won over one very famous fan: Ina Garten.
“OMG pizza Brussels sprouts cacio e pepe @martinapizzeria in NYC may be my favorite pizza ever!! Thanks @dhmeyer and chef @nickanderer," the Barefoot Contessa recently posted on Instagram.
According to the restaurant, the Brussels sprouts cacio e pepe pie is a 10-inch, thin-crust white pie that’s “never perfectly round” and it's topped with a healthy serving of sprouts, pecorino cheese, and black pepper. If you have to trust one lovable, Brooklyn-born celebrity chef about Italian fare, it might as well be the Barefoot Contessa. After all, as Garten told TODAY Food, even Tony Bennett loves her meatballs.
Most of Garten’s Instagram followers were just as excited as she was by the idea of this pie — with the exception of a few skeptics. One commented that putting Brussels sprouts on pizza “might be pushing it.”
But many of her devotees agreed that Brussels sprouts and pizza seemed like a winning combo.
“Omg this is the most perfect looking pizza,” one of Garten's followers wrote.
“Puleeeeze make up the recipe and send it out in one of your upcoming newsletters!!!” said another fan.
“I love brussel sprouts. Never thought on pizza. Such a fab idea!!!,” commented another.
While Garten’s enthusiasm about a crusty pie covered in shaved Brussels may be contagious, do not confuse it with an excitement for every green garnish. In August, Garten shared her disdain for another divisive ingredient: cilantro.
All love/hate food relationships aside, perhaps a Brussels sprouts-topped pizza is the answer to end all your veggie fears. Martina vows to make you a believer.
“I would try it, but it seems unlikely that my tastebuds would approve,” a commenter wrote on Garten’s Instagram.
We’re rooting for a happy ending to your taste test!