Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon, Crunchy Pistachios, and Balsamic Glaze
Transform your perception of Brussels sprouts with this irresistible dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon and the nutty crunch of pistachios, all brought together with a tangy balsamic glaze. This recipe elevates the often-maligned sprout into a delectable side that even the most ardent haters will adore. Perfectly sautéed to maintain their texture, and drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction, these sprouts are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Both indulgent and surprisingly healthy, this dish is an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without compromise.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
1 lb (trimmed and washed)
Bacon
1/4 lb (diced)
Roasted salted pistachios
1/4 cup (shelled)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Brussels sprouts: trim the ends and remove any damaged outer leaves. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
2
Pre-cook the Brussels sprouts by steaming them in the microwave or pan-roasting until almost tender, which should take about 5-15 minutes depending on the method. They should be bright green and just beginning to soften.
3
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
4
Add the pre-cooked Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and gain some color.
5
Stir in the roasted pistachios and pour in the balsamic vinegar. Mix well and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the vinegar reduce slightly and glaze the sprouts and nuts.
6
Finally, return the crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon, Crunchy Pistachios, and Balsamic Glaze.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: Brussels sprouts, bacon, roasted salted pistachios, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How should I prepare the Brussels sprouts before cooking?
Trim the ends, remove any damaged outer leaves, rinse them thoroughly, and pat dry.
What is the first step in cooking the Brussels sprouts?
Pre-cook them by steaming in the microwave or pan-roasting until almost tender, which takes about 5-15 minutes.
What should the Brussels sprouts look like after pre-cooking?
They should be bright green and just beginning to soften.
How do I prepare the bacon?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of bacon, diced.
How long does it take to cook the bacon?
Cook the diced bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Should I drain the bacon grease?
No, you should remove the crispy bacon but leave the grease in the skillet to sauté the sprouts.
How long do I sauté the pre-cooked sprouts in the bacon grease?
Sauté them for 1-2 minutes to allow them to caramelize and gain color.
When do I add the pistachios and balsamic vinegar?
Add them to the skillet after the sprouts have sautéed in the bacon grease for 1-2 minutes.
What is the purpose of the balsamic vinegar?
It reduces slightly in the pan to create a tangy glaze for the sprouts and nuts.
How long should the mixture cook after adding the vinegar?
Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the vinegar reduces.
When do I add the bacon back into the dish?
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet at the very end, tossing everything together.
What kind of pistachios are used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of roasted salted pistachios, shelled.
How do I season the dish?
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This dish is best served warm.
What is the recommended heat level for the skillet?
Medium heat is recommended for cooking the bacon and sautéing the vegetables.
What type of dish is this?
It is categorized as a vegetable side dish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Can I use a different cooking method for pre-cooking?
You can choose between steaming in the microwave or pan-roasting until almost tender.
How much Brussels sprouts does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires 1 lb of Brussels sprouts.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick side dish.
What is the flavor profile of the dish?
It features rich bacon, nutty pistachios, and a tangy balsamic reduction.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
The crispy bacon and roasted pistachios provide the crunchy texture.
What size skillet should I use?
A medium skillet is recommended.
How do I prepare the sprouts for cleaning?
Rinse them thoroughly and pat them dry after trimming.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe does not list added sugar, though balsamic vinegar naturally contains some.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
While the recipe includes bacon, it could be adapted by omitting bacon and using oil for sautéing.
Why is pre-cooking the sprouts necessary?
Pre-cooking ensures they are tender before the final quick sauté and glazing process.