This recipe for sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta is a flavorful combination of the slightly bitter, earthy taste of the sprouts, balanced with the richness of pancetta. It's a delightful side dish that brings a gourmet touch to your meals.
Pancetta is an Italian bacon made of pork belly meat that is salt cured and spiced with black pepper, and sometimes other spices. Pancetta may not be a staple in your pantry, but it is worth getting from your local supermarket or Italian deli for this recipe. Its rich flavor complements Brussels sprouts perfectly.
Ingredients for Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Pancetta: Pancetta is a type of Italian bacon, made from pork belly that is salt-cured. It's used often in Italian cooking to add depth to dishes.
Brussels sprouts: Brussels sprouts are small, leafy green vegetables, part of the Brassicaceae family. They have a slightly bitter taste that is balanced out by the pancetta in this recipe.
Extra virgin olive oil: This is a type of olive oil that is pure, unrefined and has a strong olive flavor. It's used for its superior taste.
Garlic: Garlic is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste.
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper: These are used for seasoning in this recipe. The kosher salt has a larger grain than table salt, and fresh ground pepper gives a more potent flavor.
One reader, Kalinda Lind says:
This sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta recipe is a game-changer! The crispy pancetta adds a delightful crunch, and the brussels sprouts are perfectly tender-crisp. The flavors are so well-balanced, and the dish is incredibly satisfying. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a definite winner!
Techniques Required for Crafting Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
How to shred brussels sprouts: Using a large sharp knife, finely shred the brussels sprouts after thoroughly washing.
How to sauté pancetta: In a deep heavy sauté pan, sauté the pancetta on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until the fat melts and the pancetta becomes golden.
How to sauté with olive oil and garlic: After sautéing the pancetta, add the olive oil and garlic to the pan and sauté until golden.
How to sauté brussels sprouts: Add the shredded brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper to taste. Sauté on high heat for about 6 to 10 minutes, until tender-crisp.
How To Make Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Make Brussels sprouts more exciting with some pancetta sauteed with garlic until golden and crispy. Enjoy this dish in 20 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2ozpancetta,minced
- 2lbbrussels sprouts,weighted after outer leaves and stems removed
- 1.5tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 4clovesgarlic,minced or sliced thin
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
Instructions
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With a large sharp knife, finely shred the brussels sprouts after thoroughly washing.
-
In a deep heavy sauté pan, sauté pancetta on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until fat melts and pancetta becomes golden.
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Add olive oil and garlic and sauté until golden. Add shredded brussels sprouts, salt and pepper to taste. Sauté on high heat for about 6 to 10 minutes, until tender-crisp.
Nutrition
- Calories: 92.32kcal
- Fat: 5.07g
- Saturated Fat: 1.22g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.77g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.80g
- Carbohydrates: 9.76g
- Fiber: 3.94g
- Sugar: 2.30g
- Protein: 4.32g
- Cholesterol: 4.16mg
- Sodium: 258.16mg
- Calcium: 46.68mg
- Potassium: 414.40mg
- Iron: 1.51mg
- Vitamin A: 39.09µg
- Vitamin C: 86.09mg
Mastering the Art of Sautéing: Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts
When sautéing the brussels sprouts, it's important to keep them moving in the pan. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don't burn on one side. Also, shredding the brussels sprouts allows them to cook faster and absorb more flavor from the pancetta and garlic. Lastly, cooking on high heat helps to caramelize the sprouts, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Savory Side Dish
Prep ahead: Wash and shred the brussels sprouts in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-cut pancetta: Opt for pre-cut pancetta to skip the step of slicing it, saving you time and effort.
High heat: Sauté the brussels sprouts on high heat to cook them quickly and efficiently.
Multi-task: While the pancetta is cooking, prep the brussels sprouts to maximize your time in the kitchen.
Garlic press: Use a garlic press to quickly mince the garlic instead of chopping it by hand.
One-pan meal: Consider adding other ingredients like chicken or mushrooms to turn this into a complete one-pan meal.
Sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to easily and quickly shred the brussels sprouts.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and store the leftovers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Substitute Ingredients For Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Recipe
pancetta - Substitute with smoked bacon: Smoked bacon can provide a similar salty and savory flavor to the dish, and it will also render some fat when cooked, adding richness to the brussels sprouts.
brussels sprouts - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage can be a suitable substitute for brussels sprouts in this recipe, as it has a similar texture and can be sautéed to a tender yet slightly crisp consistency.
Best Way to Present This Delightful Side Dish
Elevate the plating: Arrange the sautéed brussels sprouts in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each component is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant elements such as pomegranate seeds or microgreens to create a visually striking contrast against the green brussels sprouts.
Utilize fine dining plating techniques: Employ techniques such as quenelle shaping for the brussels sprouts to demonstrate precision and attention to detail.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the dish with delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies for a sophisticated finish.
Create height and dimension: Build the dish upwards using the brussels sprouts as the base, then layer with pancetta crisps and garlic chips for added texture and dimension.
Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Introduce a drizzle of balsamic reduction in a decorative pattern around the plate to add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta on elegant, minimalist serving ware to emphasize the sophistication of the dish.
Employ negative space: Embrace negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out, creating a visually captivating presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for finely shredding the brussels sprouts.
- Sauté pan: A deep heavy sauté pan is used to sauté the pancetta and brussels sprouts.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board is needed for preparing the brussels sprouts and pancetta.
- Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to finely crush the garlic for sautéing.
- Tongs: Tongs are helpful for tossing and turning the brussels sprouts while sautéing.
- Grater: A grater can be used to finely shred the pancetta for sautéing.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the olive oil and salt for the recipe.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Let the sautéed brussels sprouts cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy and will help maintain their texture and flavor.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled brussels sprouts in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the sautéed brussels sprouts, follow these steps:
- Spread the cooled brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the brussels sprouts are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen brussels sprouts to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat the frozen sautéed brussels sprouts, you can either:
- Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Place the frozen brussels sprouts directly in a skillet over medium heat and cook, covered, until heated through, stirring occasionally. This method may result in a slightly softer texture compared to reheating thawed brussels sprouts.
When reheating, you may need to add a little extra olive oil or water to prevent the brussels sprouts from drying out or sticking to the pan.
How To Reheat Leftover Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
To reheat leftover sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will help to crisp up the pancetta and restore the texture of the brussels sprouts.
Spread the leftover sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the food from sticking and make cleanup easier.
If the leftovers seem a bit dry, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top. This will help to revive the flavor and moisture of the dish.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are heated through and the edges start to crisp up. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Alternatively, you can reheat the leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Add the leftover sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta to the skillet and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
For a quick and easy option, you can also reheat the leftovers in the microwave. Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Once reheated, serve the sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor. They make a delicious side dish for a variety of main courses, such as grilled chicken, roasted pork, or seared salmon.
Random Fact: The History Behind Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. They also contain high levels of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, pancetta is an Italian bacon made from pork belly meat that is salt cured and spiced with black pepper. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the sautéed brussels sprouts, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Is Making Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta at Home Cost-Effective?
This sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, brussels sprouts and pancetta, are relatively affordable and widely available. The addition of olive oil and garlic enhances the flavors without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Are Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Healthy or Unhealthy?
This sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, brussels sprouts are a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and can help support healthy digestion and reduce inflammation in the body. However, the addition of pancetta, a type of Italian bacon, increases the saturated fat and sodium content of the dish. While the recipe uses a relatively small amount of pancetta, it still contributes to the overall unhealthiness of the dish. The olive oil used for sautéing also adds to the fat content, although it is a healthier type of fat compared to the saturated fat found in pancetta.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of pancetta used or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or grilled chicken breast
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil or opt for a cooking spray to minimize added fat
- Incorporate additional vegetables into the dish, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika, to add flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Thoughts: A Delicious and Satisfying Brussels Sprouts Recipe
This sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The pancetta adds a rich, savory note while the brussels sprouts bring a satisfying crunch. The addition of garlic and olive oil enhances the overall taste, creating a well-balanced dish. The cooking method ensures the brussels sprouts are tender-crisp, maintaining their natural sweetness and vibrant color. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate the humble brussels sprout into a gourmet side dish that will impress any dinner guest.
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Why trust this Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Recipe:
This sautéed brussels sprouts with pancetta recipe is a trustworthy choice for your culinary adventures. The combination of savory pancetta and fresh brussels sprouts creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of extra virgin olive oil and garlic enhances the dish with rich and aromatic undertones. The careful sautéing process ensures that the brussels sprouts maintain their tender-crisp texture, offering a delightful crunch in every bite. With the guidance of this recipe, you can confidently create a delectable and satisfying dish that will surely impress your taste buds.
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