Boon Brussels Sprouts Food

BUMPED-UP BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium pan over medium heat, cook the pancetta and capers. Remove from the pan, reserving a little of the pancetta fat in the pan. Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan and cook over medium heat to begin to brown. Dress with balsamic and olive oil, a little salt (capers and pancetta are salty) and pepper. Place into the oven and roast, tossing a couple of times, until nicely caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Put the pine nuts in a small, dry, saute pan and toast over a low flame, tossing a couple of times, just until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Once the sprouts are ready, remove them from the oven and put into a big serving bowl. Add the pancetta, the capers, pine nuts, currants and raisins. Toss and check for seasoning. Serve.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH ONIONS AND BACON

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.
• Saute the onion and garlic in the bacon grease over low heat until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts and stir them around so that they are coated with the bacon grease.
• Add the broth and cook, covered, over low heat until the sprouts are easily pierced with a fork, about 12-15 minutes. Stir in the butter just before serving. Garnish each serving with bacon bits.

HOW TO COOK BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Tip the sprouts into a pan and add a couple of cm water and a pinch of salt - a large pan works better so they're not piled up too high. Cover and bring the water to the boil, turn down to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 3- 5 mins depending on size.
• Test with a sharp knife to see if they are cooked through. If not, cook for a little longer and test again.
• Drain and tip the sprouts into a bowl. Serve with a knob of butter, if you wish.