Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays with my family. We have ongoing traditions that haven’t changed for years, but there’s always a little something special included.
This year, a few of us are still going to get together to celebrate the holiday. I won’t have much time to prep, but that’s exactly why this roasted brussel sprout recipe will definitely be on the menu.
On Thanksgiving, my brother and niece typically have a tradition of making our family’s turkey. They spend hours in the kitchen enjoying time together around the ingredients in their own, special tradition. Not to interrupt that time together, I tend to volunteer for side duty. Quick and easy side dish recipes that everyone can enjoy are my favorites. (I can even enjoy this one while I’m on my vegan kick! Insta Story watchers, you know what I mean…)
I’m a big fan of grilling as soon as the weather gets a bit chilly. (See here for my favorite, easy-to-make steak recipe!) But while grilling is an easy option, roasting vegetables comes to me most naturally. It holds onto a lot of the nutrition, is simple to do without stepping foot outside, and more enhances the flavor of the vegetable with a special crisp.
Brussel sprouts have long been a favorite vegetable of mine, having grown up with them being included in many dishes when I was younger, so it’s no surprise that these easy-to-prepare roasted vinegar brussel sprouts quickly joined the top of my list of favorite things to make.
For when you’re in the mood for vegetables in the evening, but only want to use the simple ingredients you’re likely to have available in your cabinets, check out the below recipe. Per usual, I’ve highlighted the ingredients and instructions at the bottom for easy printing when you’re heading out to the store.
Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipe: Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Above are the ingredients I used in making this dish. As you can see from the picture, this recipe takes simple ingredients that many of you might have readily available already in your home!
Start with well-cleaned brussel sprouts removed of dirt and grime. Cut off the ends and slice evenly in half. Toss in a single layer of the vegetables in an oven-safe pan. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Evenly toss the EVOO and vinegar onto the sheet of brussel sprouts. Mix the ingredients until the brussel sprouts are evenly coated. (The above picture was taken prior to mixing.) Salt and pepper to taste –I recommend focusing on pepper for this one- and lightly mix. You should end with a single, even layer of brussel sprouts.
Once the oven has pre-heated completely, put the pan of brussel sprouts into the oven on the for 20-25 minutes or until there is a caramel-colored glaze on the outer edge of the vegetables. I like mine on the crispy side and went right in the middle time wise.
Optional Step: While the brussel sprouts were heating up in the oven, I took the opportunity to heat up a handful of my favorite pasta that was handy in our pantry. To serve, I piled the pasta and brussel sprouts on my plate with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. Personally, I felt that no additional sauce was needed thanks to the bold flavoring of the vegetables once they were completed.
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Ingredients
– 1.5 Cups Brussel Sprouts
– 2 Teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil*
– 3 Teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar
– Salt & Pepper to Taste
– Optional: One serving (typically around a handful) of your favorite pasta
*As a quick aside, let’s talk about purchasing quality olive oil, because this is a place where I can almost guarantee that you’ll taste a difference. My suggestion is to not buy the massive, plastic, generic-brand products. I’m all for generics (the pasta I used above is Kroger brand), but opt towards a dark, glass bottle and store in a cool (not refrigerated), dark place in your home. From experience, I feel that a quality olive oil makes a HUGE difference.
Directions (Serves 1; Time: 25 Minutes)
1) Clean the brussel sprouts, cut off the ends, and cut in half. Spread on the pan evenly.
2) Pour oil and vinegar on the sprouts and mix to coat evenly. Salt and pepper to taste. Lay the brussel sprouts in a single, even layer on an oven-safe pan.
3) Put the brussel sprouts on the middle rack in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until they are caramelized brown.
4) Take out of oven. Turn off the oven. Enjoy!
Create a great life!
