Brussels Sprouts With Shallots And Bacon

Serves 8

Brussel sprouts taste fabulous and have been very unfairly branded as a Christmas dinner disappointment. Food should be something to enjoy and Brussel sprouts can be enjoyed, you just need the right recipe.

Shallots are full of flavour, and every meat eater loves bacon, it is undoubtedly one of tastiest foods there is. Soft tender Brussels sprouts are complemented beautifully with crispy bits of bacon. Bacon flavours the whole dish so it makes a fabulous fresh but rich tasty side dish with your Christmas dinner. There is absolutely no reason to only have sprouts on Christmas they are wonderful with Sunday lunch and are in season throughout autumn and winter. 

Brussels sprouts are very nutritious, and have so many health benefits.  Research has shown significant reduced risk of cancer particularly lung and breast cancer. Sprouts do wonders for your immune system and skin because of the high leaves of vitamin C and vitamin A. Vitamin C is also linked to reduced chances of stroke and heart disease.  Brussels sprouts are great if you are trying to look after yourself and as well as looking after your heart, protecting against dieses and making your skin glow, it is high in fibre low in fat, so you can look after your waist line, look great, feel great and enjoy a delicious meal.

If you are trying to be healthy you can use a little olive oil instead of butter.

Ingredients

• 20g unsalted butter
• 225g shallots, finely chopped
• 1 kg small Brussels sprouts, trimmed
• 170g bacon

Method

1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil; boil the sprouts for about 6 minutes, until just tender.
2. Drain and cool sprouts by running under cold water. Cut in half.
3. Melt the butter and gently fry the shallots on a low heat, until soft. Add the sprouts and cook until lightly brown.
4. Cook the bacon under a grill, when cooked cut the bacon into small pieces and add to the Brussels sprouts.