80--- Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios

Don't give this the "yuck" face!! Brussels sprouts do not have to be the same food that your mother forced you to eat. How can you resist these cute little baby cabbages? Yes-- they can be gross when boiled to death. But, when cooked properly (as in this recipe) they can be soooo delicious. AND they are so beautiful to display on your dinner table-- very important when enticing someone to eat brussels sprouts.

My hubby even requested these for Christmas dinner! He does love his veggies (good boy), but that request was even a shock for me!!

Brussels sprouts are good for you too (who knew?). They have a lot of fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, glucosinolates, etc etc etc. Some new research has also discovered that brussels sprouts contain a substance that can have DNA-protective benefits!

Do not overcook brussels sprouts!! Not only do they lose their nutritional value and taste but they will begin to emit the unpleasant sulfur smell. To help Brussels sprouts cook more quickly and evenly cut each sprout into halves or quarters and then steam them for 5 minutes.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios

Serves 4

1 lb fresh brussels sprouts

3 oz thick cut pancetta. diced (optional)

1/2 cup thinly sliced onion

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, divided

2 Tbsp raw sugar

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 cup pistachios

Fresh ground black pepper

Cut brussels sprouts in half and place in a steamer. Steam over boiling water for ~5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and add pancetta pieces. Saute over medium-high heat until pancetta begins to crisp (if you are omitting pancetta, skip this step). Add onions and 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar. Continue to cook for ~5 minutes or until onions become soft. Reduce heat to medium and add steamed brussels sprout halves, remainder of red wine vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder. Saute for ~7-8 minutes or until vinegar thickens. Add fresh ground black pepper to taste. Transfer sprouts to a serving dish.

Crush pistachios in a coffee grinder (set to coarsest setting). Sprinkle crushed pistachios over sprouts and serve!!

Nutrition Info per 2/3 cup serving: 153 calories, 6 g fat, 9 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber