BABY BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BUTTERED PECANS

BABY BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BUTTERED PECANS image

Provided by Ellen Bales

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 c pecan halves
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, separated
3/4 tsp salt, separated
2 lb baby brussels sprouts, trimmed
1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp black pepper

Steps:

1. On a shallow baking pan, spread the pecan pieces in a single layer and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven (middle rack) about 10 minutes. Add 1/2 Tbsp butter and 1/4 tsp. salt to nuts and toss until butter is melted and nuts are coated.
2. While the nuts are baking, cook Brussels sprouts in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. Drain sprouts and pat dry.
3. Melt the remaining 2-1/2 Tbsp. butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high, then add sprouts and saute, stirring occasionally, until browned in patches, about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice, pepper, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, then stir in pecans and serve.
4. NOTES: Pecans can be toasted and buttered a day ahead and kept at room temperature, covered. Brussels sprouts can be boiled a day ahead and kept chilled in a sealed plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. If you can't find baby Brussels sprouts, you can use 2 lbs. regular Brussels sprouts, quartered.