Bumped Up Brussel Sprouts Food

SAUTéED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Heat a large cast iron or similar sturdy bottomed skillet over medium high for 4 minutes. Add the oil. As soon as the oil is hot and shining (but before it starts smoking), swirl to cost the pan, then add the halved Brussels sprouts. Shake the skillet a little and prod them so that as many as possible are cut-side down. Let sit completely undisturbed for 5 to 8 minutes, until they develop a dark, tasty, caramelized sear.
• Add the salt and pepper. With a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the Brussels sprouts. Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are browned all over and just turning tender the inside, about 6 to 8 additional minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vinegar, then the pine nuts or almonds. Let the residual heat of the skillet toast the nuts, stirring them very often so that they toast evenly on all sides and do not burn (if they aren't toasting, return the skillet to low heat). As soon as the nuts are toasted, transfer the sprouts to a serving plate and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Enjoy hot.

SWEET-AND-SOUR BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Set 2 baking sheets in the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Toss 2 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved), 2 red onions (cut into wedges), 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper in a bowl. Roast, cut-sides down, on the hot baking sheets, switching the pans halfway through, until tender and browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, simmer 1/2 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup golden raisins, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/2 sliced red jalapeño (seeded for less heat) in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until syrupy, about 8 minutes. Drizzle over the vegetables.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS AGRODOLCE

Steps:

• Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and heat another 30 seconds. Add the shallot and cook, stirring often for about 2 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add the maple syrup and the vinegar and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes to reduce slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the cranberries.
• Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and warm another minute. Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan and cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes or until browned and beginning to soften. Season with the salt. Stir the sprouts and cook another 3 minutes to continue cooking. Stir again and cook another 3 minutes to brown evenly. Add the maple mixture to the pan and toss well to coat. Bring to a simmer to reduce the glaze slightly, another 2 minutes. Serve warm.

MY BROTHER BRUSSELS

Steps:

• Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way with water and add 1 teaspoon of salt and the Brussels sprouts. Put the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Let boil until the Brussels sprouts are just fork tender about, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain the sprouts and transfer to an ice bath. Let cool completely, then drain and set aside.
• Cut the Brussels sprouts into 1/4-inch lengthwise slices and set aside. Add the bacon to a medium saute pan, and cook until just crisp, then remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Adjust heat to medium-high, add the onions to the pan and saute until they are translucent and just beginning to caramelize, about 5 or 6 minutes. Add the butter to the pan, then add the Brussels sprouts and saute for 3 to 4 more minutes. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with the reserved bacon and the cheese. Serve immediately.

SMASHED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F with a sheet pan on the bottom rack.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and boil until tender throughout, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain in a colander and cool under running water. Pat very dry with kitchen towels.
• Flatten each sprout with a meat mallet. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with 1/2 cup of the manchego, the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt. Spread on the preheated sheet pan and roast until crispy on the bottom, 13 to 15 minutes.
• Flip the sprouts and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup manchego. Roast until the tops are browned and crusty and the bottoms are deeply caramelized, 13 to 15 minutes more.

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.