Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Brussel sprouts, bacon, and apple recipe is the perfect solution for your next weeknight dinner or holiday gathering. It's a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and slightly smoky flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to elevate your side dish game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well), cored and diced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussel Sprouts
Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Once the oil is hot, add the halved Brussel sprouts and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown slightly.
Step 3: Add the Apple and Season
Add the diced apple to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until it softens slightly. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and toss everything together to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The Brussel sprouts should be tender-crisp, and the apples slightly caramelized.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Brussel Sprouts:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If your skillet is too crowded, the Brussel sprouts will steam instead of crisp up. Work in batches if necessary.
- Trim the ends: Removing the tough ends of the Brussel sprouts ensures even cooking and a more tender result.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup, salt, and pepper to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
Variations:
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts would add a delightful crunch to this dish.
- Use different vinegar: Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this dish over quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 4 servings. Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This simple yet elegant side dish is perfect for any occasion. It’s a fantastic example of how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Enjoy!