Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Thyme

Serves four as a side dish.

To learn more, read:
Sear & Steam Vegetables
by Tony Rosenfeld
from Fine Cooking
Issue 57
Last Edit Date: 6/28/2011 12:35:47 PM

more about:

1-1/2 Tbs. olive oil; more if needed
2 thick slices bacon (about 3 oz.), cut into thin strips
1 large shallot, cut into 1/4-inch disks
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 lb. Brussels sprouts (about 25), tough outer leaves discarded; sprouts quartered through the stem (or halved if small)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup water; more if needed
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, coarsely chopped
1 Tbs. real maple syrup
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

Turn on the exhaust fan. Heat a 12-inch skillet or large wok over medium heat, put in the olive oil and bacon, and cook until the bacon is slightly browned and crisp, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Increase the heat to high and heat the pan for 20 seconds. If the bacon hasn’t rendered much fat, add another 1 Tbs. oil and then add the shallot, garlic, and Brussels sprouts. Season well with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the sprouts begin to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low, carefully add the water (it will steam) and thyme, and cover the pan with the lid ajar. Cook until the sprouts are tender, about 5 minutes. (If the water evaporates before the sprouts are done, add more, 1 Tbs. at a time). Add the maple syrup, lemon juice, and reserved bacon. Swirl in the butter, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 240; Fat (g): 19; Fat Calories (kcal): 170; Saturated Fat (g): 7; Protein (g): 6; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 10; Carbohydrates (g): 15; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2; Sodium (mg): 410; Cholesterol (mg): 20; Fiber (g): 4;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by newkiwi, 12/18/2010Fantastic! This is THE way to prepare brussels sprouts. Even folks who think they don't like them should try this.

by Raisingeden, 11/27/2009Excellent! Will definitely make this again, received raves at our Thanksgiving table

by appraisit, 10/7/2009I got this recipes about 6 months ago when I purchased some very small brussel sprouts. It is excellant, I used some home made maple surup from The Charity Islands in Michigan. It is my favorite.