Brussels sprouts are often overlooked but deserve a place at your Thanksgiving table. These small, nutrient-packed vegetables offer a rich, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Whether roasted, sautéed, or combined with savory ingredients, it can easily be transformed into a healthy and delicious side dish. In this article, we will explore a few simple yet flavorful ways to prepare this vegetable for your holiday meal.
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Why These Vegetables Are Ideal for Thanksgiving
Incorporating it into your Thanksgiving menu is a great choice. These vegetables are in season during the fall, making them readily available for the holiday. Aside from being nutritious, they add a fresh element to balance out richer, heavier dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. Brussels sprouts are full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, which makes them suitable for a variety of diets.
Ways to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for Thanksgiving
There are many delicious ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts, each offering unique flavors and textures. Here are some of the best options to try this holiday season.
Brussels Sprouts with White Beans
A combination of roasted sprouts and creamy white beans makes for a hearty and satisfying dish. The beans add texture and protein, making it a great side dish for those looking for a plant-based option.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a separate pan, heat the beans over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sprouts are roasted, combine them with the beans and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Lemon-Infused Sprouts
For a lighter take, add lemon. The bright citrusy flavor perfectly complements the natural bitterness of the vegetable, making it a refreshing side.
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sprouts and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle zest, salt, and pepper over them.
- Serve immediately.
Savory Bacon and Shallots
This recipe combines Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and caramelized shallots for a rich and flavorful side. The smoky bacon adds depth, while the shallots bring a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the sliced shallots and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the sprouts and cook until tender and lightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
- Toss in the crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Caramelized Shallots and Brussels
The natural sweetness of caramelized shallots balances the slight bitterness, making this dish a savory, yet sweet, complement to your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, until caramelized.
- Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until they are tender and lightly crispy.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Roasted Brussels with Balsamic Glaze
Roasting Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar brings out their natural sweetness, creating a delicious contrast with the tangy glaze. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, until it thickens.
- Drizzle the glaze over the roasted sprouts and serve.
Tips for Preparing Brussels Sprouts
To get the best results, make sure to trim the tough stems of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. For a less bitter taste, blanch them briefly in boiling water before cooking. Be careful not to overcook, as this can cause the sprouts to become mushy.
Pairing it with Thanksgiving Dishes
Brussels sprouts are an excellent side dish to pair with classic Thanksgiving favorites like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. The slight bitterness of the sprouts balances the richness of the main dishes, providing a refreshing contrast. They also complement other vegetable sides like roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
Related recipes
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Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Brussels sprouts are often overlooked but are perfect for any Thanksgiving feast. Offering a rich, earthy flavor, they add a nutritious touch to the meal, providing a fresh contrast to heavier dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a separate pan, heat the beans on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, combine them with the beans and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Brussels sprouts are in season during the fall and offer a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Final thoughts
Brussels sprouts are an excellent vegetable to include in your Thanksgiving spread. Whether roasted, sautéed, or combined with savory ingredients like bacon and shallots, they are versatile and delicious. Try one of these recipes to add flavor and nutrition to your holiday table. With a little creativity, Brussels sprouts can easily become a Thanksgiving favorite.
By adding Brussels sprouts to your meal, you’ll not only enhance your dishes but also provide a healthy, flavorful option that everyone can enjoy. These recipes are easy to follow and are sure to impress your guests.
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