Brussels Sprouts with bacon, piloncillo, and balsamic

Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Bacon, Piloncillo and Balsamic

The Brussels sprouts with bacon, piloncillo and balsamic are an exquisite combination that blends sweet, savory, and acidic in a single dish. This dish is perfect for those looking to give a special twist to this popular and sometimes misunderstood vegetable, highlighting its flavor with simple yet personality-packed ingredients. Ideal for enhancing any meal with a gourmet touch, without complicating things in the kitchen.

Preparation time

To organize your time well in the kitchen, here's how much you need to prepare this delicious dish:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic

• 600 g of fresh Brussels sprouts
• 100 g of bacon, cubed
• 2 tablespoons of grated or finely chopped piloncillo
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper

If for any reason you don't have piloncillo, you can use panela or brown sugar as a substitute. If using a different option, make sure to integrate it by dissolving it well to maintain the ideal glaze texture.

Utensils we will use

• Large oven-safe skillet or 9 x 13 inch baking sheet
• Knife and cutting board
• Large spoon or spatula for stirring
• Mixing bowl
• Fine grater (for the piloncillo)

Preparation

1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts

• Wash and clean: Wash the sprouts under the tap to remove any dirt. Remove the wilted outer leaves and cut off the hard ends of the stem to facilitate cooking.
• Cut in half: To ensure even cooking, cut each sprout in half along the stem.

2. Cook the bacon and the base of the dish

• Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F): This will help the sprouts cook well and the bacon become crispy.
• Distribute the bacon: Place the bacon cubes evenly in an oven-safe pan or tray.
• Bake the bacon: Roast for 5 minutes until the fat renders and it begins to brown.

3. Add the sprouts and season

• Add the sprouts: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the tray, with a touch of oil, salt, and pepper. Try not to mix so that the bacon remains at the bottom and cooking is even.
• Bake and stir: Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to prevent burning, until the sprouts are tender and lightly browned.

4. Glaze with piloncillo and balsamic

• Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the piloncillo with the balsamic vinegar to thoroughly dissolve the natural sweetness of the piloncillo and enhance the acidic flavor of the balsamic.
• Add the glaze: In the last few minutes of baking, pour this mixture over the Brussels sprouts and bacon, stirring gently to thoroughly integrate all the flavors.
• Finish baking: Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, until the glaze thickens and reduces slightly, coating the surface with a delicious shine.

To finish and serve

Once the Brussels sprouts have that golden hue and the glaze is well absorbed into the bacon and vegetables, remove from the oven. It is important to adjust the salt to taste at this point because with the reduction, the combination of flavors can intensify. Serve hot to enjoy the contrast of textures between the crispy bacon and the caramelized tenderness of the Brussels sprouts. This recipe is ideal for accompanying dishes such as roasted meats or white rice that balances the sweet and savory elements. You can also explore other vegetables using the same technique, to vary the experience at your table.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Proteins: 8 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Approximate values per serving, ideal for those who control their caloric intake or wish to balance their diet.

5 keys to perfect Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic

Mastering this recipe is a matter of following some practical tips that make a difference in flavor and texture:

1. Choose fresh and firm Brussels sprouts: Avoid those that have spots or are too soft, as this can affect the texture when cooked.
2. Don't forget to cut them in half: Cutting them this way ensures they cook evenly and the golden surface enhances the flavor.
3. The hot oven trick: Cooking at high temperature allows the bacon to become crispy and the Brussels sprouts tender with toasted spots.
4. Use natural grated piloncillo: This provides an authentic sweetness and prevents crystals that may not dissolve well in the sauce.
5. Add the balsamic right at the end: This way you get a shiny glaze, balanced between sweet and sour, enhancing the flavor BalsamicBacon unique.

When is it ideal to enjoy Brussels sprouts with bacon, piloncillo, and balsamic?

This dish is a sure bet for family gatherings during autumn and winter, thanks to its comforting character and its blend of flavors that invites to the table. Its sophistication makes it perfect for special dinners or celebrations where you want to impress with a simple yet full of FlavorBrussels. Additionally, take advantage of the season to buy the freshest cabbages, as their flavor will be at its peak and the glaze will further highlight the contrast of textures and flavors.

Explore variations with this technique: Brussels sprouts and other delights

If you like to explore in the kitchen and discover new ways to enjoy vegetables, you can try similar recipes that transform this humble vegetable into true stars of the table. For example, Brussels sprouts can be combined with walnuts and a touch of lemon for a fresh and crunchy dish. Another option is to prepare them with grapes, pecans, and cotija for a sweet and sour, creamy contrast in Mexican style, which you will find in this recipe. Also take the opportunity to make dill-stuffed cabbage rolls, a different and delicious way to vary your side dishes at home, detailed in this link. Each one offers a twist that you will surely love for different occasions and preparations.

Here you can see the detailed process to achieve that ideal balance between crispy and soft in Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic.

An excellent tutorial showing the sweet touch of piloncillo in combination with the salty note of bacon to achieve an unforgettable dish.