Pan-fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Here's one of those veggies that nobody seems to like very much. I think they are making a come-back of sorts, I've seen lots of articles and recipes trumpeting their health benefits and flavour. I'm not sure what people don't like about them; I guess if you don't like cabbage you won't like these - but then again, it's all about how you cook them and what you put on them. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of mine, but there are thousands of photos I found through a Google image search that all look pretty much identical - so I borrowed one.

Pan-fried Brussels Sprouts with bacon

This recipe is so simple, yet really tasty. I ended up making this as one of the sides for Christmas dinner. Forget the mushy peas and boring carrots!  I've also seen an intriguing version that is baked and has a sweet and fiery sauce which I may have to try, but this time around it is all about the bacon!

Next time: Will try them baked with a vinegar/chili sauce, but honestly this was good as it was.

Me: 10/10
SO: 9/10
SSO: 5/10

Pan-fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients

• 2 lbs of Brussels Sprouts
• 1/2 lb of bacon, maybe 10 strips
• butter
• 4 or 5 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely diced
• a cup of chicken broth (fresh if you can). I used veggie broth, but chicken or turkey broth would work too.
• salt & pepper

Method

1. Cook up the bacon fairly crispy in your largest pan (we will be adding the sprouts later); roughly chop up. Leave at least a few tsp of the bacon fat in the pan. If you pour some off, keep it around in case you need it. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Meanwhile, cut a tiny bit off the rough end of each Brussels Sprout, and then lengthwise in half. Remove any stray/loose tough leaves.
3. When the bacon is done, reduce to medium heat and add a Tbsp or two of butter. The fat should help prevent the butter from burning. Update: this isn't entirely true. 
4. Stir in the garlic and brown slightly. Add in the Brussels Sprouts and toss them around. Season with plenty freshly ground salt and pepper.
5. Add the broth, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes.  Monitor it as the time gets close so they don't  overcook and get mushy. 
6. When close to done, add in the bacon to warm it through and then serve.