Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Dried Cherries

18 May Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Dried Cherries

Aaah…gotta love a little bacon with your greens.  Bacon is definitely the bad a#$ super star in this dish; it’s smokiness brings the brussels sprouts to life and I believe can turn any brussels-hater into a believer!  Add a handful of dried cherries and you’ve got yourself one flavorful, sweet yet smoky and earthy side dish.   So, how do I get away with adding bacon to a dish and calling it healthy? I use all natural, uncured nitrate free bacon that I find at Whole Foods. Plus Brussels sprouts are full of filling fiber, Vitamin A and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin which may help to protect eye sight.    This side dish has an ideal balance of carbohydrates and fat, so make sure to serve it alongside your favorite lean protein like white fish, chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a balanced, fat-burning meal.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Dried Cherries

makes 4 cups

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts
• your favorite cooking spray
• 3 slices raw thick sliced, un-cured quality bacon (Whole Foods has a nice selection)
• ½ white onion, chopped small
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced into a paste
• sea salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup dried sweet cherries

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Slice the bottom stems off of the Brussels sprouts.  Peel off any discolored outer leaves. Slice Brussels sprouts in half, length wise.  Steam covered in microwave with 2 tablespoons of water for approximately 7 minutes or until tender but crisp or on stove top.
2. In the meantime, heat large frying pan over medium heat.  Spray with cooking spray. Chop bacon into small pieces. Once pan is hot, add bacon and cook until bacon is crispy.  Once bacon is crispy, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.  Pour all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat out of pan (leave a little fat in the pan).
3. Add onions and thyme to pan and sauté for about 4 minutes or until softened.
4. Remove steamed Brussels sprouts from bowl, drain really well and add to frying pan.  Toss Brussels sprouts with onions and allow them to caramelize (get lightly browned) for a few minutes on each side undisturbed.
5. Add garlic, toss Brussels sprouts again and sauté for two minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Add dried cherries and crisp bacon and sauté for 1 minute. Enjoy!

SO, WHAT’S THE NUTRITION BALANCE?

This side dish is made of carbs and fat and should be served with a protein for a balanced meal.