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Wow ~ Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction...




This dish didn't "wow" anyone for Thanksgiving.  Aren't you surprised?  Look at them, they are gorgeous.  Well, these aren't the ones I made for then, these were tonight's version.  I kept mulling over why the brussel sprouts didn't work as well as I expected.  So tonight, I tried them again.  And boy did they "wow" me.  I figured out what step I left off.   I have been reading all over the internet about brussel sprouts and balsamic vinegar, and bought aged balsamic.  Just a simple roast of the veggies and toss with the vinegar.  And magic, they "pop" in your mouth.  They didn't.....  So back to the drawing board I went.  I decided to reduce the balsamic and try again.  And voila, they are a show stopper for sure now.  It's all in the reduction sauce folks.  So even if you have the best balsamic, reduce it to a rich syrup and you will dance for joy.  The brussel sprouts and your guests will thank you.  ;)

No recipe really, just trim, cut the sprouts in half (no matter what size), toss with about 1 tablespoon of salt and about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.  Roast at 425 F., for 15 minutes.  Remove from the oven, turn sprouts over and place back in the oven for another 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, take 1/2 cup of good balsamic vinegar and place in a small sauce pan.  Turn stove to medium and let cook and reduce down for about 10 minutes, stirring all the while.  Shut off stove.

Remove sprouts from oven, toss with 1/2 of the reduction sauce and plate.  Use the other half of reduction to drizzle around the platter.

And guess what?  They "pop".  They "wow".  And they are absolutely a gorgeous side dish....

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4 comments:

  1. MarthaNovember 27, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    I've not used the reduction, but we like the balsamic sprinkled over the sprouts. I will try the reduction next time I make them. We sometimes add dried cranberries as well. Like that tangy tartness with the sprouts and the vinegar!

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  2. Taste the RainbowNovember 28, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    Hi Martha,

    Like I said, it's really, really over the top with the reduction. The cranberry idea sounds like a nice addition.

    Thanks,
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  3. ReginaDecember 8, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Oh Mary, these look sooo good and we all just love Brussel Sprouts. This will be the recipe I use next time I make them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Taste the RainbowDecember 8, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Hi Regina,

    They are so good too. If your family loves Brussel Sprouts, they will love these. Easy peasy for your busy work night. :)

    ReplyDelete