Brussels Sprouts
Serve a side truly worth celebrating with these mouthwatering brussels sprouts. Full of natural sweetness and a slightly nutty flavor, we’ve added almonds for texture and Aleppo pepper for a subtle dash of heat. It’s the perfect complement to the 2021 TRILATERAL, our Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blend.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts:
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional toppings:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, to taste
- 1/3 cup morcilla (dry-cured Ibérico blood sausage) or other cured meat, thinly sliced 1/4 cup Aleppo pepper-spiced almonds (recipe below)
- 2/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- Fleur de sel or sea salt, to taste
- Aleppo pepper or mild chili flakes, to taste
Aleppo Pepper-Spiced Almonds:
- 2 cups sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon egg whites
- 1 teaspoon fleur de sel or sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Aleppo pepper or mild chili flakes
Note: Egg white is used as an adhesive to keep the seasonings coated to the almonds.
Method
Almonds:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the almonds with the egg whites, salt, and pepper. Coat evenly and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Lay the almonds evenly on a cookie sheet, and bake in the oven for approximately 7 minutes. Be sure to open the oven and stir occasionally to ensure even toasting. The almonds will keep for several weeks—enjoy on salads or as a snack!
Brussels Sprouts:
To blanch and pan-fry (this is how we do it in the restaurant; it’s my daughter’s favorite):
- Trim off and discard the base of the Brussels sprouts, and cut the sprouts in half lengthwise.
- Bring a pot of water to boil, adding enough salt so that it tastes like the ocean. (Trust me, this enhances the flavor and color.)
- Blanch the Brussels sprouts in boiling water until just tender, approximately 3 minutes.
- Remove them from the water, then strain and toss some ice on them to help them cool quicker. Be sure to strain all water out of the sprouts.
- Set the sprouts aside and wait until you’re ready to cook dinner. (This can be done up to one day ahead of time!)
- Heat a large skillet on high heat. When the skillet is very hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter and then add the Brussels sprouts.
Quick Tip
The Brussels sprouts should NOT be crowded in the pan. Don’t stir yet; be patient. Let them pan-roast and only stir when they are golden brown on one side. Then you can shake the pan or stir to get them golden brown on the other side.