Beer Sauteed Apple and Bacon Brussels Sprouts
a great side for just about any meal
20 min|Moderate|Medium
For some reason, I keep finding dusty bottles of beer in and around my canned goods cabinet — back behind the "in case of emergency" cans of soup, veggies, and some Spaghettios. It's not all sad news though, because beer that's "best if used by" date is a couple of years old… is still perfectly good to cook with! In fact, it's probably better to cook with than a fresh beer, because all that hoppy goodness is still there — just without all the foam.
The world probably doesn't need another brussels sprouts recipe, but if you like the idea of cooking with beer — this recipe might just come in handy. Honestly, it was actually pretty good — and you know, visually at least — those brussels sprouts look a little like green beer hops to me! :)
The key to getting these sprouts less bitter — is starting out with a quick blanch. Don't skimp out on the "ice bath" part by just running the sprouts under cold water. Do a proper ice bath, with ice, and cold water… it'll help keep them from wilting quite so much during the cooking process.
The world probably doesn't need another brussels sprouts recipe, but if you like the idea of cooking with beer — this recipe might just come in handy. Honestly, it was actually pretty good — and you know, visually at least — those brussels sprouts look a little like green beer hops to me! :)
The key to getting these sprouts less bitter — is starting out with a quick blanch. Don't skimp out on the "ice bath" part by just running the sprouts under cold water. Do a proper ice bath, with ice, and cold water… it'll help keep them from wilting quite so much during the cooking process.
About Digital Food Works
This recipe was developed by Curtis Lawyer for use on the Digital Food Works website. DFW provides photography and design services for businesses with things to eat and drink!
This recipe was developed by Curtis Lawyer for use on the Digital Food Works website. DFW provides photography and design services for businesses with things to eat and drink!
Recipe Notes
This recipe for a Mild Pepper Garlic Spice Blend make a little more than you'll need for the brussels sprouts, but it will taste great on sautéed green beans, and even oven roasted potatoes! Just mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl or container, and you're ready to go!- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step by Step Instructions
1
Prepping the Liquids
In a small bowl stir together the maple syrup, balsamic, and the spice mix. Set aside
2
Prepping the Sprouts
Partially slice the root ends off each brussels sprout, leaving just enough of the root so that buds stay together. Peel away any darker or damaged outer leaves. If they're medium to large sprouts cut them in half, long-ways.
3
Blanch the Sprouts
Bring a pot of salt water (1.5 teaspoons of salt per cup of water) to boil, place the sprouts in the water and "blanch" the brussels spouts for about 4 minutes. If you think you'll need two cups of water to cover your sprouts, than used 3 teaspoons of salt, etc. (1.5 tsp. salt x 2 cups of water = 3 tsp. of salt).
4
Ice Bath Time
After 4 mintues in boiling salt water, immediately drain and transfer the spouts to an ice bath (a big bowl of ice water with ice cubes and everything.) After about a minute in the ice, start pulling the sprouts out, and place them on some paper towels to fully dry.
5
Sautee the Sprouts
Heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium-high and add the brussels sprouts — cut side down. Cook the sprouts until the sides facing the skillet, start to brown.
6
Simmer
Lower heat to medium low — add the onions, apples, drizzle in the "maple syrup, balsamic, & spice mixture", and let this simmer for a minute.
7
Beer Time
Pour in the beer and simmer until the beer has mostly cooked off, 6-7 minutes.
8
Remove from Heat & Eat
Add in the pre-cooked bacon and remove from the heat. Transfer to a serving dish. These are best if served warm.
Beer Sauteed Apple and Bacon Brussels Sprouts
a great side for just about any meal
