Humans have enjoyed the subtle taste of smoke in food since we began cooking with fire. But you don’t have to buy a smoker to enjoy that authentic smoky taste – with a little bacon, and the right spices, you can achieve that delicious primal flavor right on your stovetop. These Brussels sprouts taste like they were made in a pit master’s smoker and add tremendous flavor as a side to any meal.
Ingredients
1 lb. Brussels sprouts
1/2 lb. bacon
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. thyme
Kosher sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
- In frying pan, cook bacon. Leave grease in pan and set aside cooked bacon.
- Meanwhile, roughly shave Brussels sprouts using a mandolin.
- Over medium heat, cook garlic in bacon fat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add Brussels sprouts, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Chop bacon into small pieces. Remove Brussels sprouts from heat and toss in bacon.