Wednesday, November 7, 2012

caramelized brussel sprouts with lemon zest


I had this dish with some dear friends at P.F. Chang's as an appetizer and LOVED it.  They shaved the brussel sprouts really thin, caramelized them, and added a squeeze of lemon for bright flavor.  They were YUM.  I warn you: you've gotta like brussel sprouts.  Although, I think with the brightness of the lemon in this dish, along with the caramelization of the brussel sprouts, if you didn't like brussel sprouts before, you will more than likely enjoy them after this dish.  It was so simple, SO delicious, HEALTHY, and only had 4 ingredients.

Ingredients:

-canola oil (1-2 tablespoons)
-brussel sprouts (2 good handfuls fed me- that would equate to about 1 package if that's how they come at your grocery store)
-1 lemon
-salt

Directions:

-shave/thinly slice your brussel sprouts (make sure to take that little end off)
-pour oil into stainless steal pan (not a non-stick pan) and turn on to medium-high heat
-allow your oil to get hot, then add your brussel sprouts to your pan and listen to that glorious sizzle...
-sprinkle with a little salt and stir the brussel sprouts around, allowing all of them to caramelize
-peel 3 strips of lemon peel. 
-chop up the lemon peel and add to the pan
-once the brussel sprouts have developed beautiful brown sides, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pan and stir the brussel sprouts in that juice (just a half a lemon will do)
-transfer to a plate and ENJOY!!

These are great as an appetizer or as a side.  They've got that great bitter flavor that brussel sprouts have, plus the brightness and acidity of the lemon zest and juice, plus a balance of flavor from the salt...just a real winner all around.  I highly encourage everyone to try this!  I was VERY pleased!