Bumped Up Brussels Sprouts Recipes

SAUTéED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Heat a large cast iron or similar sturdy bottomed skillet over medium high for 4 minutes. Add the oil. As soon as the oil is hot and shining (but before it starts smoking), swirl to cost the pan, then add the halved Brussels sprouts. Shake the skillet a little and prod them so that as many as possible are cut-side down. Let sit completely undisturbed for 5 to 8 minutes, until they develop a dark, tasty, caramelized sear.
• Add the salt and pepper. With a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the Brussels sprouts. Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are browned all over and just turning tender the inside, about 6 to 8 additional minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vinegar, then the pine nuts or almonds. Let the residual heat of the skillet toast the nuts, stirring them very often so that they toast evenly on all sides and do not burn (if they aren't toasting, return the skillet to low heat). As soon as the nuts are toasted, transfer the sprouts to a serving plate and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Enjoy hot.

15-MINUTE SAUTEED SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Use a food processor with a shredding disc attachment to finely shred the Brussels sprouts. You can also use a hand-held mandoline.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded sprouts and thinly sliced shallot, with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper to taste, stirring to coat and combine. Then spread the veggies in an even layer. Let them cook and caramelize, only stirring very occasionally, to encourage crisping and caramelization, for about 6 minutes.
• Stir in garlic, and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in balsamic vinegar and maple syrup, if using. Taste test for salt and pepper levels. Garnish with parmesan cheese as desired.

MY BROTHER BRUSSELS

Steps:

• Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way with water and add 1 teaspoon of salt and the Brussels sprouts. Put the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Let boil until the Brussels sprouts are just fork tender about, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain the sprouts and transfer to an ice bath. Let cool completely, then drain and set aside.
• Cut the Brussels sprouts into 1/4-inch lengthwise slices and set aside. Add the bacon to a medium saute pan, and cook until just crisp, then remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Adjust heat to medium-high, add the onions to the pan and saute until they are translucent and just beginning to caramelize, about 5 or 6 minutes. Add the butter to the pan, then add the Brussels sprouts and saute for 3 to 4 more minutes. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with the reserved bacon and the cheese. Serve immediately.

EASY SMASHED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil. Drop Brussels sprouts in the boiling water and cook until softened, 7 to 9 minutes, depending on their size. Strain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Strain once cooled and spread out on paper towels to dry. Pat the tops dry as well.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• Place Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet and smash with the bottom of a mason jar. Pat dry with a paper towel to soak up any additional liquid. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt and pepper. Sprinkle pepper flakes over top, then shake the tray a bit to distribute the oil and spices.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Gently flip sprouts and sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese. Return to the oven and bake until sprouts are soft and cheese is melted, 10 to 15 more minutes.
• Remove from the oven and set the tray on a wire cooling rack. Squeeze lemon over top, then transfer sprouts to a serving plate.

BUMPED-UP BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium pan over medium heat cook the pancetta and capers. Remove from pan, reserving a little of the pancetta fat in the pan. Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan and cook over medium heat to begin to brown. Dress with balsamic and olive oil, a little salt (capers and pancetta are salty) and pepper. Place into the oven and roast, tossing a couple of times, until nicely caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes. Put the pine nuts in a small, dry, saute pan and toast over a low flame, tossing a couple of times, just until lightly browned, 3 or 4 minutes. Once the sprouts are ready, remove them from the oven and put into a big serving bowl. Add the pancetta, the capers, pine nuts, currants and raisins. Toss and check for seasoning. Serve.