Orecchiette With Brussels Sprouts Gorgonzola And Brown Butter Pecans Recipes

ORECCHIETTE WITH VEGAN SAUSAGE AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add 1 tablespoon each of the butter substitute and oil to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and season with a bit of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions caramelize, about 15 minutes. Add the sausage and fennel seeds and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer the onions and sausage to a bowl or plate and set aside.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes
• Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 tablespoon each butter substitute and oil to the skillet used to cook the onions. Heat over medium-high heat, then add the Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until they begin to caramelize, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute more. Return the onions and sausage to the skillet and keep warm over low heat.
• Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking liquid. Toss the pasta with the Brussels sprouts, onions and sausage in the skillet or a large bowl. Stir in the lemon zest. Moisten with some of the reserved cooking liquid as needed; drizzle with oil if it looks dry. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the pasta among dishes and serve.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH TOASTED PECANS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Meanwhile, remove any wilted outer leaves from the brussels sprouts and cut off the stems. Soak the sprouts in cold water and drain well.
• Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly. Add the brussels sprouts and seasoned salt. Stir and cook, tossing frequently, until barely tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Add the brown sugar, pepper and reserved pecans to the skillet. Toss the brussels sprouts to coat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar is melted and the brussels sprouts are coated in the melted sugar and pecans, about 2 more minutes. Transfer to a warm serving dish and serve immediately.

ORECCHIETTE WITH ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, 3 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 30-40 minutes or until tender., Meanwhile, cook orecchiette according to package directions; drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water., In a small skillet, saute onions and garlic in butter for 1-2 minutes. Stir in wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half., In a food processor, combine the onion mixture, reserved pasta water and remaining salt and pepper. Cover and process until smooth., In a large saucepan, combine the Brussels sprouts, orecchiette, onion mixture, cream cheese and remaining oil. Cook over medium heat until heated through and cream cheese is melted, stirring frequently. Garnish with parsley.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH PECANS AND HONEY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Place pecans in a 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet. Bake until lightly browned, stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside., In the same pan, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts; cook and stir until crisp-tender, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar, sherry and cream until blended. Top with pecans; drizzle with honey., Bake, uncovered, until Brussels sprouts are browned and tender, 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle with pepper before serving.