Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Apple & Bacon
Also tossed with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, this warm side is sure to wow.
Ingredients:
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed of tough ends
6 slices of bacon
1 tart apple, finely diced
2 large shallots, minced
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
½ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Method:
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until most of the fat has rendered and the meat is crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve. Drain all but 3 tablespoons of the drippings from the skillet. Meanwhile, shave the trimmed Brussels sprouts using a box grater or mandoline.
2. Add the diced shallots to the skillet and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the mustard seeds and stir to coat with the oil. Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the pan and cook, again stirring until sprouts just begin to wilt, about 1-2 minutes. Add the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar and toss thoroughly to combine.
3. Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving platter. (Be sure to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when doing so!) Crumble the bacon over top and add the apple slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Red Cabbage-Fennel Slaw with Cilantro
This light, fresh dish is fantastic on tacos, pulled pork sandwiches or simply served as a summery side.
Ingredients:
1 small head green cabbage, cored and very thinly sliced
2 baby fennel bulbs, trimmed of fronds, cored and very thinly sliced
2-3 carrots, coarsely grated
¾ cup freshly-chopped cilantro
½ cup sour cream or crème fraîche
½ cup milk
Juice from 1 lime or lemon
Fresh ground pepper and salt to taste
Method:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream or crème fraîche with milk and lime juice. Season to taste with fresh ground pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, combine cabbage, fennel, carrots and cilantro. Drizzle with dressing, tossing to coat. Season with more pepper as desired and salt to taste.
Braised Rainbow Swiss Chard with Garlic
A wonderful side dish to accompany your fall entrées.
Ingredients:
1 large bunch rainbow Swiss chard, lower ends of stems removed, and then coarsely chopped
½ cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Pinch red pepper flakes
Sea salt
Method:
1. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Cook garlic and onions, stirring often, until fragrant and golden, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in Swiss chard and 1 teaspoon salt.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add water, and braise, covered, until greens are just tender and water evaporates, about 10 minutes. If greens are ready but there is still water in the pan, raise heat to medium-high, and cook, uncovered, until completely evaporated. Check seasoning, adding salt if necessary, and serve.
Cauliflower Purée
This creamy side dish from Martha Stewart is an excellent alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, stem and tough stalks trimmed, florets roughly chopped
1 cup water or chicken stock
2-3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Combine cauliflower and water or chicken stock in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until cauliflower is very tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cauliflower to the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, adding 1-2 tablespoons cooking liquid, 15-20 seconds. Add the mascarpone and butter, and process 5-10 seconds more. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
