Brussels sprouts are one of those love ’em or hate ’em veggies. I happen to love them. First of all, they’re cute little mini-cabbages. Secondly, when you first see them growing on those big Bam-Bam like stalks, you really shake your head in amazement (but don’t be afraid to buy them, just cut them off). Thirdly, when cooked properly, they taste great. As with a lot of things, bacon makes them better.
- If you have them on the stalk, first cut them off with a small sharp knife.
- Trim any loose, or yellow outer leaves, and wash them.
- I like to cut them in half like the photo because it gives more surface area to brown.
- If you are dealing with someone who is not a big fan, or if you’ve got large sprouts, I like to give them a quick steam in the microwave for about 2 minutes in a dish with a little water, covered.
- While the sprouts are steaming, take a couple slices of bacon (depending on how many sprouts, and how much bacon you like), and cut them into 1/2″ strips.
- Slowly saute them in a pan over medium heat, with a little olive oil so they render their fat and become almost crispy.
- When the bacon is almost cooked, turn the pan up to medium high heat, add the Brussels sprouts.
- Let them sit without stirring for a couple of minutes so they caramelize and get nice and brown (it will make them sweeter).
- Toss them and cook until they are all nicely browned.
- You can finish them with a little balsamic vinegar and/or butter.
- Put it in at the end with salt and pepper and stir to coat.
Does this make you a fan?
