Tender Bacon Braised Brussels Sprouts by Went There 8 This
“Oh bacon…how I love you.”
This is my daily mantra. I mean, how could you not love it? That salty, melt-in-your-mouth meaty goodness…YUM.
What better way to may a vegetable sing than to cook it up with a touch of bacon?
And so were born these tender bacon braised Brussels sprouts.
I don’t think I would have eaten Brussels sprouts as a kid. However, my mom didn’t start making brussels sprouts until I was old enough to appreciate them, so I never had to worry about it (carrots on the other hand, were a whole different story…).
Even as an adult, they still weren’t my favorite. Until I discovered bacon. Well let’s get real…I discovered bacon long ago. I should say until I started to realize that bacon makes EVERYTHING better. Apparently even chocolate??
These tender bacon braised Brussels sprouts are just so YUM. Slow cooked in homemade chicken broth (or store bought if that’s what you have) with garlic, onions, bacon and white wine, who can resist?
Cutting the Brussels sprouts in half allows them absorb the liquid faster, resulting in a more tender sprout. My biggest complain about Brussels sprouts in the past is their tendency to be a bit tough. This method of braising them completely eliminates that problem!
I have also been known to add a couple tablespoons of cream to this recipe to give to make it extra special. To keep it simple, I didn’t include the cream below, but if you’d like to add it, throw it right in with the chicken broth.
And don’t ever throw your bacon grease away! That’s blasphemy in my house. The bacon grease can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several months. It is absolutely awesome to use in place of butter or cooking oil. It’s extra delicious used to sear pork chops.
Ingredients:
1 lbs. brussels sprouts, small and cut in half
1/2 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
4 sliced cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. bacon grease
Directions:
- Cook the bacon until crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Drain the bacon grease from the pan, reserving about 2 teaspoons. Don’t throw this bacon grease away! Save it for future use.
- Heat the bacon grease over medium heat in a skillet and add the onion and garlic. Cook until soft and translucent.
- Add the brussels sprouts and bacon and brown.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed (about 10-15 minutes).
For some other amazing side dishes, especially as we roll into this holiday season, check out my FREE cookbook. You got some great dishes such as bacon braised green beans and oyster and andouille sausage stuffing.
Happy Eating!
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