BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON, CHESTNUTS, AND CREAM

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Chestnuts, and Cream image

Provided by Jonathan Waxman

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 ounces pancetta, salt cured Italian bacon
1 yellow onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces jar chestnuts
1 cup pitted green olives, preferably Sicilian
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup water
4 fresh sage leaves, chopped, optional
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped, optional

Steps:

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Cut the pancetta into ½-inch dice; dice the onions. Add the pancetta, onion, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan and cook until brown, 5-8 minutes. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
Smash the garlic cloves, then chop finely. Move the pancetta and onion to the sides of the pan. Add the remaining olive oil and the Brussels sprouts, cut-side down, to the center of the pan. Then add 1 tablespoon butter.
Season evenly with salt and pepper.
Add the chestnuts, olives, and garlic, and stir. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6-7 minutes.
Add the remaining butter, cream, and water. Add the sage and thyme (optional). Reduce the heat and simmer until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the liquid has thickened, 10-15 minutes. Serve hot.