Sunday, January 28, 2018

Super Simple Pan Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts



     Making Brussel sprouts always seems to upgrade a meal. I'm not sure if it is just that I don't throw them in the microwave like so many vegetables, or if they're cooked rather than just tossing a salad,  but they feel "fancy".

   And my family loves them! Thankfully, they are ridiculously easy to make. So many of my recipes have "Super Simple" in the title, because to me, that is their chief attribute. Of course, they're delicious, but let's be honest: I'm not making anything on a regular basis that isn't stupidly easy. But that doesn't have quite as nice of a ring to it. ;)

 These take maybe 10 minutes from start to finish, and serve 2-4, depending on portion sizes.

You'll need:
-four strips of heat and serve bacon (you can use raw bacon, but it will take a bit more time)
- 1/2 to 1 tbsp. butter
-a cup of onion, sliced (I cut the onion in half, then slice it, then I cut the slices in half again)
-fresh Brussel sprouts, 8-10 oz.

    First, you will want to slightly steam your brussel sprouts to make sure you end up with a tender final product. I bought a heat-in-the-bag type from Trader Joe's and I popped it in the microwave for two minutes. If you prefer, you can also bring an inch or so of water to a boil in a saucepan and steam the brussel sprouts covered for two minutes until they are bright green. Cut sprouts in half.

 Since I don't prefer to cook raw bacon, I use the pre-cooked kind. It is easy to cut the slices into strip with my kitchen shears. I cut them right over my skillet. Cook the bacon until it begins to crisp-you don't need to cook it to done, as it will continue to cook with the sprouts and onions.

  Depending on how fatty your bacon is, you will want to add 1/2 to 1 tbsp. of butter. Immediately add the onions. Saute briefly, about one minute. Add the sprouts.

 Cook until the bacon is crispy, the onions are translucent and the sprouts are nicely browned, stirring occassionally. You can add salt and pepper, as you cook, or after. Sometimes I add a little garlic salt.

   Serve immediately! I find these to be preferable to pan roasting, as I can more easily control the tenderness of the sprouts, and I don't have to heat up my oven when it is warmer. These are so quick and easy, and honestly, even with the butter and bacon, they are still a great way to get your veggies in. Even my kids love them! I think it's the bacon. :)


  That's it! A super simple, healthy, "fancy" side? That's a big "yes" for me! We love to eat these with roasted pork tenderloin, steak, or grilled chicken. They're pretty good with almost anything. So, go! Eat brussel sprouts and feel fancy! 







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