Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Herbs

Brussels sprouts. Ok, if you’re still reading, you are probably not one who reflexively cringes at the thought of this polarizing vegetable. I get it—they are not for everybody. If you or someone you like to cook for does enjoy partaking of the tender splendor that makes up the essence of the Brussels sprout, this recipe can become a go-to when a savory side dish is called for—-Hmmm. Oh yeah, Thanksgiving…..

Unlike the more standard roasting or steaming of Brussels sprouts, this recipe utilizes the braising technique. They are browned in a little butter and oil and then slowly simmered with some good chicken stock (or turkey stock if it’s on hand this time of year). Combined with some bacon (always a good friend of a green vegetable☺), some shallots, and a few herbs, these edible buds are fork tender and quite possibly capable of winning over a few of those curled up noses at the table.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Herbs

Prep: 10 minsCook: 35 minsTotal: 45 mins Servings: 8 A little bacon and fresh herbs make Brussels sprouts even better!

Ingredients 

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 5 ounces bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 4 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, minced
• 1 ¼ to 1 ⅓ cup chicken stock, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Instructions 

1. Remove any dry or yellow outer leaves from the sprouts. Slice off the dry stem end and cut into quarters; set aside.
2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a bowl. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan.
3. Return the pan to medium heat, add the shallots and thyme and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer the shallot mixture to the bowl with the bacon. Pour 1/4 cup of the stock into the pan and, using a wooden spoon, stir to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour the stock over the bacon mixture.
4. Wipe out the pan with paper towels and place over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and oil. Add the Brussels sprouts and season with salt; stir to coat evenly. Cook until the sprouts begin to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir again, then cook for another 3-4 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup of stock. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally and adding more stock as needed until the sprouts are soft and tender, about 15 minutes more. Add the bacon mixture and any remaining stock and stir to incorporate. Stir in the chives and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Brussels sprouts are best when enjoyed immediately, while the bacon is crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 21mg, Sodium: 244mg, Potassium: 594mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 992IU, Vitamin C: 99mg, Calcium: 58mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.