Best Bumped Up Brussels Sprouts Recipes

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.

BUMPED-UP BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium pan over medium heat cook the pancetta and capers. Remove from 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, about 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 or 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.

EASY SMASHED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil. Drop Brussels sprouts in the boiling water and cook until softened, 7 to 9 minutes, depending on their size. Strain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Strain once cooled and spread out on paper towels to dry. Pat the tops dry as well.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• Place Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet and smash with the bottom of a mason jar. Pat dry with a paper towel to soak up any additional liquid. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt and pepper. Sprinkle pepper flakes over top, then shake the tray a bit to distribute the oil and spices.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Gently flip sprouts and sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese. Return to the oven and bake until sprouts are soft and cheese is melted, 10 to 15 more minutes.
• Remove from the oven and set the tray on a wire cooling rack. Squeeze lemon over top, then transfer sprouts to a serving plate.