Bacon Maple Braised Brussels Sprouts

 

3/4 lb Brussels sprouts, rinsed, outer leaves pulled, quartered

2-3 slices of thick cut bacon, smoked/peppered/anything but maple

2 tbs butter

Salt and pepper

1/4c pure maple syrup (don't bother using fake syrup aka maple-flavored high fructose corn syrup, it will NOT be delicious.. It will be a sugary-gooey overpowering disaster)

Fried onion crisps for garnish. I used Trader Joe's, French's would be fine.

 

Chop bacon into small pieces. Render down in a non-stick sauté pan. Remove bacon bits and set aside. Add butter to the bacon drippings in the pan, add Brussels sprouts. This is the key to the recipe... Don't stir this too much! Give it a quick toss to coat and then leave it to braise on med-high. Give it a little shake and a toss every five minutes. You want parts of the sprouts and the leaves to get a nice sear on them. It adds to the flavor.

After 20-25 minutes check for tenderness. If the sprouts are near fork-tender go ahead and add the bacon back in, turn the burner to med-low. Add syrup. Let it bubble and simmer for at least 5 more minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

Serve when ready and lightly sprinkle with fried onions as garnish.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy