Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A simple pan-roasted Brussel sprouts side-dish is perfect for a quick family meal.
This delicious side dish is full of caramelized flavor punctuated by tasty bits of bacon and crispy goodness. Pair this dish with pork chops or roasted chicken for a wonderful, low-carb meal.
The mighty little brussel sprout is a crucifer vegetable. What makes a vegetable a crucifer vegetable? All their flowers have four petals that are arranged in the shape of a cross.
Crucifer vegetables like the Brussel sprout, are a little bit healthier than other vegetables because they have not been altered from their original wild state. They still have the same slightly bitter taste as they did in the wild.
When shopping for the best Brussel sprouts at the grocery store, select only the ones with bright green, tightly wrapped leaves.
To ensure the most nutrients from your sprouts, plan on eating them the day you buy them or the next day.
Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 4 thick-cut bacon slices
- 1 1.2 lbs. fresh Brussels sprouts (trimmed and cut in half)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- fresh lemon
- Parmesan cheese
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste.)
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, turning once to ensure it is cooked evenly on both sides. Cover pan with a splatter guard while cooking, if desired.
- Remove skillet from heat and place cooked bacon on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain. Once cool, blot bacon with paper towels to remove excess fat before crumbling.
- After skillet has cooled slightly, carefully drain the excess bacon fat into an empty can or other heat-safe container. If any fat drips down the side of the skillet, be sure to wipe it off with a damp dish cloth before putting it back on the burner.
- In a large bowl, combine Brussels sprouts and olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add Brussels sprouts and cook for several minutes until they begin to turn brown. Add the crumbled bacon to the skillet and place in the pre-heated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts turn a rich, caramelized color.
- Remove skillet from oven and serve immediately.
Don’t forget to add a touch of butter and squeeze a little lemon at the end of the cooking time. Also, serve with a few shakes of fresh Parmesan cheese.
The Beautiful Brussel Sprout – Delicious Brussel Sprouts read for pan roasting!
