U.S.HOT TAKE

Readers name their least favorite vegetables, and the recipes that…

The Times asked readers to name the vegetables they hate most and the recipes that finally turned them around; the sprouts did not go quietly.

On air: Dale Bearman, Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock on Late Night BBN
Published 10:09 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “‘I Had Always Considered Brussels Sprouts to Be Evil Little Cabbages’”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:09 PM ET on Late Night BBN, by Dale Bearman, Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock.

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York Times‘I Had Always Considered Brussels Sprouts to Be Evil Little Cabbages’

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorReaders have named their least favorite vegetables, and the recipes that changed their minds, the New York Times reports.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorOne reader called Brussels sprouts evil little cabbages.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorMy take: the sprouts were never evil, only misunderstood. Roast them hot, and you have a redemption arc with a crispy edge.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorHot. A vegetable that gets a second chance from strangers is the most American story I've read all week.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorMine is that nobody was changed. They just found the right recipe, like Stockholm syndrome with seasoning.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorGive it a year and the sprouts are back to being cabbages.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNot. Butter has converted stronger men than you.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorButter is how they get you. First the sprout, then the lifeboats.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorDale, you're afraid of a vegetable.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorOf a coalition.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorMy final take: sprouts are fine. The real evil is pretending you didn't hate them the first time around.