Pecan Butter Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts browned in a crunchy, toasted pecan butter make for a simple yet sophisticated side dish!
Brussels sprouts browned in a crunchy, toasted pecan butter make for a simple yet sophisticated side dish!
- Carbohydrate 3.21952655972349 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 7.24445625414472 g
- Fiber 0.655270859893771 g
- Protein 0.628663542191328 g
- Saturated Fat 1.1038625003559 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (13g)
- Sodium 62.0128437489759 mg
- Sugar 2.56425569982972 g
- Trans Fat 0.371671875194365 g
- Calories 77 calories
Step-by-step
- Trim off the bottoms and any wilted outer leaves of Brussels sprouts, cut a small “X” in the bottoms to promote even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add Brussels sprouts to water and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge into ice bath.
- Cut Brussels sprouts in half.
- In a medium sized skillet, heat Earth Balance over medium heat. Add pecans and cook for 2 minutes or until mixture is fragrant.
- Lay the Brussels sprouts flat on the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Toss and brown the other side.
- Add the brown sugar, lemon juice, and salt, toss to combine.
- Spoon Brussels sprouts into a serving dish and top with browned pecans.
Pecan Butter Brussels Sprouts: A Simple Side Dish with a Sophisticated Twist
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a challenge. I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both quick and impressive, and these Pecan Butter Brussels Sprouts have become a weeknight staple. They're surprisingly easy to make, yet they possess an undeniable elegance that elevates any dinner, whether it's a casual weeknight meal or a more formal dinner party. The slightly sweet and nutty pecan butter perfectly complements the earthy bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, creating a flavor combination that's both comforting and exciting.
The secret to perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts lies in the blanching process. Boiling them for a short period and then shocking them in an ice bath ensures they retain their vibrant green color and pleasant crisp-tender texture. This method also helps to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy, a common problem many home cooks face. After blanching, the sprouts are quickly pan-fried in a skillet with toasted pecans and a simple yet flavorful sauce made with brown sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The browning process enhances their natural sweetness and adds a touch of caramelization, which makes them irresistibly delicious.
I love serving these Brussels sprouts as a side dish to roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty steak. The contrasting textures and flavors create a truly delightful culinary experience. They're also a great option for potlucks and holiday gatherings, as they can be prepared ahead of time and reheated easily without compromising their deliciousness. The beautiful presentation, with their glistening surfaces and scattered pecans, always draws compliments from guests. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you haven't been making them all along! This recipe is a testament to the fact that sophisticated doesn't have to mean complicated; sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying and memorable.
This recipe is a true testament to my belief that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring. Brussels sprouts, often unfairly relegated to the category of "unappetizing vegetables," are transformed into something truly special with just a few simple ingredients and a bit of culinary creativity. The pecans add a satisfying crunch, the lemon juice provides a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, and the Earth Balance adds a touch of richness without being overly heavy. It's a perfect example of how a few thoughtful additions can elevate a simple dish into something truly extraordinary. I often find myself doubling the recipe, because everyone always asks for seconds (and sometimes thirds!).
The versatility of this dish is another reason why it's become a go-to recipe for me. I've experimented with different variations, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or substituting maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different flavor profile. Feel free to get creative and personalize the recipe to suit your own tastes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s a perfect blend of simple elegance and delicious flavor that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by how easily you can transform a humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece.
Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is also a great way to introduce Brussels sprouts to picky eaters. The pecan butter and the slightly sweet and savory sauce mask the sometimes bitter flavor that can put people off. My kids, who are notoriously fussy eaters, absolutely love these Brussels sprouts. It's a sneaky way to get them to eat their veggies, and they don't even realize it! The preparation is also quick and efficient, making it ideal for busy weeknights. In under 20 minutes, you can have a delicious and nutritious side dish on the table – something that's incredibly satisfying after a long day.
