Savory Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta and Cashew Crunch
This delightful dish elevates humble Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping side. Inspired by a technique from Sunset Magazine, the Brussels sprouts are finely shredded for a texture reminiscent of confetti. Pan-fried with crispy pancetta and toasted cashews, this dish strikes the perfect balance of savory and crunchy. Finished with a sprinkle of your choice of cheese, it’s a fun and flavorful addition to any meal that will have your guests asking for seconds!
10
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
2 lbs (thinly sliced)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Pancetta
8 ounces (cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Crushed red pepper flakes
to taste (for seasoning)
Cashews
3-4 tablespoons (toasted and chopped)
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated or shaved)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Brussels sprouts. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts crosswise, discarding the root ends; aim for slices that resemble confetti.
2
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Once hot, add the sliced pancetta, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes, until it turns golden and slightly crispy.
3
Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the pot. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the Brussels sprouts are vibrant green and tender.
4
Season the sautéed mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the toasted cashews and toss everything together to combine and heat through.
5
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and generously sprinkle with your choice of freshly grated Pecorino Romano or shaved Asiago cheese.
6
Serve hot, and enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
8g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this dish?
The main ingredient is 2 pounds of fresh Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What type of cheese is recommended for topping?
The recipe suggests using freshly grated Pecorino Romano or shaved Asiago cheese.
How should I prepare the Brussels sprouts?
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice the Brussels sprouts crosswise into confetti-like pieces.
Can I substitute pancetta with something else?
Yes, although pancetta is specified, you could use bacon as a common alternative for a similar smoky flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe as written includes pancetta, but it is tagged as vegetarian in the metadata, implying the meat can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The dish features 3-4 tablespoons of toasted and chopped cashews.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What inspired the technique for this dish?
The technique of finely shredding the sprouts was inspired by Sunset Magazine.
How long do I cook the pancetta?
The pancetta should be stirred frequently over high heat for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
How long should I sauté the Brussels sprouts?
Sauté the shaved sprouts for 3 to 5 minutes until they are vibrant green and tender.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The dish is seasoned with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended to achieve the specific 'shaved' confetti texture required.
What size should the pancetta strips be?
The pancetta should be cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips.
What type of oil is best for cooking this?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
When do I add the cashews?
Stir in the toasted cashews after the Brussels sprouts have been sautéed and seasoned.
How should this dish be served?
It should be served hot in a serving dish, generously sprinkled with cheese.
Can I use a different nut besides cashews?
Yes, while cashews provide a specific crunch, toasted walnuts or pecans would also work well.
What is the texture of the Brussels sprouts?
Because they are thinly sliced, they have a light, tender, and slightly crunchy texture.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
This is primarily categorized as a side dish.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The recipe data indicates there is no sugar added.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
While the specific amount isn't listed in the data, Brussels sprouts are naturally high in fiber.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What heat setting should be used for the sprouts?
The heat should be reduced to medium-high when adding the shaved Brussels sprouts.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to transfer the mixture to a dish and sprinkle it with cheese.