Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Shallots, Bacon and Hazelnuts

I may lose a lot of you here, but I love Brussels Sprouts and have been fond of them ever since I was a child.  I was enamored with small things then, and they reminded me of tiny cabbage heads.  My mom would usually just steam or boil them and we would drizzle apple cider vinegar over them before digging in.  

But I like them prepared this way even better ~ I parboil (until just barely tender) in salted water, then immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking ~ drain well, then cut each in half.

No recipe needed for the remainder,  just a description:

For about 2 cups of Brussels Sprouts ~ snip a slice of two of bacon crosswise into thin strips, cook over medium heat until as crispy as you like. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside to drain.  If you don't mind cooking in bacon fat, continue from here (if not, drain and wipe the pan, then add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter.)

Add peeled and sliced shallots (as many or as few as you would like.)  Cook slowly, over medium-low heat until they are tender. Remove the shallots and set aside.

Toss the Brussels Sprout halves in the pan over moderately high heat,  allowing them to turn just lightly browned, shaking pan frequently so they do not burn.  Add a little more butter if you like and add the caramelized shallots, and bacon back into the pan to heat everything through. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Plate up and sprinkle with chopped, toasted Hazelnuts (or any toasted nut you prefer.)

You can drizzle with additional olive oil and a little vinegar (almost any type) if you like, to pique the flavor a bit.


They make a fabulous side dish for any roasted or grilled chicken, fish, or meat.  However, I could eat a plate of them for a meal!  :D


If, by chance, you would like a printable copy of the recipe you can find it on the
Once Upon a Plate Recipe Blog.




Thank you for stopping by today, and any comments you would like to share.