Brussels Sprouts with Bacon,

Garlic and Shallots

January 31: Eat Brussels Sprouts Day

Just a month into the new year, Islander continues her resolution to try new recipes and eat more greens. She dislikes Brussels sprouts when Highlander would steam them plain. They are just too bitter for her tastes and avoided eating the mini-looking cabbages—until she tried a soup recipe shared by her college roommate. Then she tasted other Brussels sprouts dishes at a restaurant and potluck parties and wanted to discover other ways to cook them (to the delight of Highlander who loves to eat Brussels sprouts). Of course, Islander believes anything tastes better with bacon so she sautéed it with the vegetable and flavored them with garlic and shallots. Discover how delicious and easy this side dish is to make—cook Brussels sprouts and eat them today!

Recipe

(Adapted from MyRecipes.com)

Ingredients

  • 1 – 1½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 large shallot, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 6 slices center cut bacon, chopped
  • ¼ – ½ cup chicken broth (we used fat free and lower sodium)
  • salt and pepper to taste

 Directions

Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts. Cut off the stem and slice in half. Set aside. Peel the garlic cloves and slice thinly. Peel the shallots and slice thinly.

Chop the bacon. Sauté the bacon over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings. Use this to sauté the shallots.

brusselssproutssteps2

Add the Brussels sprouts and sauté around 5 minutes, allowing some of the leaves to become tender and brown. Stir in the garlic and mix for another 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and heat on high for 2 minutes until evaporated. Remove the pan from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot in a bowl as a side dish.

brusselssproutssteps3

Notes

  • Raw Brussels sprouts are a healthy vegetable full of vitamins B, C and K. With essential minerals and dietary fiber, they also have anti-cancer properties.
  • We resolve to cook more Brussels sprouts and share the recipes in future blog posts.