Easy Sides: Roasted brussels sprouts

I've been seeing brussels sprouts all over the food blogs this week.  'Tis the season!  They are so delicious, why not?

I love them every which way. I like them steamed. I love taking all the leaves off, sauteeing them and making a warm salad with sherry vinaigrette and pancetta. But I love them roasted best of all. Sometimes, when you steam the sprouts, your house gets all stinky. You know that smell.  That doesn't happen when you roast them.

The technique is essentially the same for every roasted brussels sprouts recipe. Blast with heat, season and serve.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

For extra yumminess you can saute some pancetta with minced shallots or onions, and toss that mixture with the brussels sprouts at the 10 minute mark. Really, really excellent balsamic vinegar makes all the difference in this recipe.

Try to choose sprouts that are all the same size so they cook evenly.

Preheat oven to 400º.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of brussels sprouts, washed, outer leaves removed
• extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• best-quality balsamic vinegar

Carefully cut a thin slice off the bottom of the sprouts, cutting off the woody, dried-out part of the stem. Cut the sprouts in half.

Place in a roasting pan and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Roast in oven for 10 minutes, then mix with wooden spoon, splash in some balsamic vinegar (about a tablespoon), and return to oven for 10-12 minutes more. Cook for 20-22 minutes total.

Remove from oven, finish by sprinkling on a touch more vinegar (about a teaspoon). Mix gently. Transfer to serving bowl. These are great hot or at room temperature.

[photo credit: Stefania Pomponi Butler]

Comments

[greensunflower]

You know, I had roasted brussel sprouts at the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival. They were so good. I am so used to my mom's boiled yukkies. I might try to do it soon. But convicing the hub to eat anything cabbage like is hard.

[foodiemama]

we eat roasted brussel sprouts once a week! i love the crispy, salty black ones at the bottom of the pan..yummmy!

[jj]

mmmm. perfect! i was just going to go looking for a roasted brussel sprouts recipe, and voila! thanks stefania!

[Dawn]

We made these today and really enjoyed them. Thanks for all the recipes.