Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Almonds: A Crunchy, Flavorful Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon and almonds are a delightful salad that combines the unique texture of shaved Brussels sprouts with the smoky depth of bacon and the nutty crunch of almonds. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

It’s a versatile salad that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish for a hearty meal, or even a festive appetizer.

The shaved Brussels sprouts provide a refreshing and slightly sweet element, while the bacon adds a savory and smoky depth. The toasted almonds offer a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. The combination of textures and flavors is truly irresistible.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts

Shaved Brussels sprouts are a delightful culinary twist that transforms this often-maligned vegetable into a crispy, flavorful, and visually appealing side dish or salad component. Unlike their whole roasted or steamed counterparts, shaved Brussels sprouts offer a delicate texture and a more nuanced flavor profile that allows them to shine alongside other ingredients.

Shaving Techniques

Shaving Brussels sprouts unlocks their potential, creating thin, delicate slices that cook quickly and absorb flavors readily. There are several methods for achieving this, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Shaved brussels sprouts with bacon and almonds are a surprisingly delightful combination, with the sweetness of the sprouts perfectly balanced by the salty crunch of the bacon and almonds. If you’re looking for another easy and delicious side dish, check out these easy cheesy hot dog crescent rolls , which are always a crowd-pleaser.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped bacon and almonds to your brussels sprouts for an extra layer of flavor and texture!

• Mandoline:A mandoline is a specialized tool for slicing vegetables into thin, even pieces. Its adjustable blades allow you to control the thickness of the slices, ensuring consistent results. However, mandolines require careful handling to prevent injuries.
• Knife:A sharp chef’s knife can also be used to shave Brussels sprouts, although it requires more skill and patience to achieve consistent thinness. Use a rocking motion to slice the sprouts, keeping your fingers out of the way of the blade.

  Shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon and almonds are a delicious and satisfying side dish, but sometimes you crave something a little more creamy and comforting. That’s where a side of cream corn like no other comes in. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the creamy texture pairs beautifully with the crispness of the Brussels sprouts.

  Both dishes are a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create truly remarkable flavors.

• Food Processor:A food processor with a slicing blade can be used to quickly shave a large quantity of Brussels sprouts. However, this method may not produce as delicate slices as a mandoline or knife, and it’s essential to ensure the sprouts are evenly sized before processing.

Selecting and Preparing Brussels Sprouts

Choosing the freshest Brussels sprouts is crucial for a delicious and satisfying dish. Look for sprouts that are firm, compact, and free from blemishes or yellowing. Smaller sprouts tend to be more tender and less bitter.

• Cleaning:Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water, removing any loose outer leaves. Trim the bottom stem of each sprout and discard any damaged leaves.
• Shaving:Before shaving, you can blanch the Brussels sprouts for a few minutes to soften them slightly and reduce bitterness. This step is optional, but it can enhance their texture and flavor. Blanching involves immersing the sprouts in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Bacon

Bacon is the undisputed star of this dish, adding a layer of smoky depth that elevates the simple Brussels sprouts to a whole new level. The crispy, salty bits of bacon not only contribute a delicious flavor but also create an interesting textural contrast with the tender, shaved sprouts.

Types of Bacon

The type of bacon you choose will significantly impact the final flavor and texture of your dish.

• Thick-cut bacon, with its rich, meaty flavor and satisfying chewiness, is an excellent choice for this recipe. The thicker slices will render down more fat, adding a luxurious richness to the dish.
• Applewood-smoked bacon, known for its sweet and smoky flavor profile, pairs exceptionally well with the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts. Its subtle sweetness complements the nutty notes of the almonds, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
• Regular bacon, readily available and versatile, is a great option for everyday cooking. Its leaner profile may not provide the same level of richness as thick-cut bacon, but it will still deliver a satisfying smoky flavor.

Vegetarian Alternatives

If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative to bacon, smoked tofu or tempeh can provide a similar smoky flavor.

• Smoked tofu, readily available at most grocery stores, can be crumbled and cooked until crispy, offering a satisfying texture and a distinct smoky flavor.
• Tempeh, a fermented soybean product, has a slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Marinating tempeh in a smoky sauce before cooking will enhance its flavor and mimic the taste of bacon.

Almonds

The addition of almonds to this shaved Brussels sprout salad adds a delightful textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the savory bacon and the sweet, earthy Brussels sprouts.

Types of Almonds

The type of almond used in this dish is important for achieving the desired flavor and texture. Slivered almonds are the most common choice, as they provide a nice crunch and distribute the flavor evenly throughout the salad. Toasted almonds offer a deeper, more complex flavor profile, while blanched almonds, with their smooth, white surface, provide a more delicate aesthetic.

Toasted Almonds

Toasting almonds is an essential step in this recipe, as it brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their nutty flavor. The heat of toasting also deepens the color of the almonds, adding a visual appeal to the dish. Toasting can be done in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes.

The almonds should be toasted until fragrant and slightly golden brown.

Alternative Nuts

While almonds are a classic choice for this salad, other nuts can be used as substitutes, depending on the desired flavor profile. Pecans, with their rich, buttery flavor, offer a similar textural contrast as almonds. Walnuts, known for their earthy and slightly bitter notes, add a more complex flavor dimension.

For a lighter, sweeter option, consider using pistachios, which have a vibrant green color and a slightly sweet flavor.

Shaved brussels sprouts with bacon and almonds are a delicious and easy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crunchy sprouts, salty bacon, and nutty almonds make for a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. If you’re looking for a hearty main course to pair with this side, I highly recommend checking out Marie’s easy slow cooker pot roast.

It’s a super simple recipe that yields a tender and flavorful pot roast that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Once you’ve got your main course sorted, you can focus on perfecting your shaved brussels sprouts with bacon and almonds, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

Flavor Combinations and Variations: Shaved Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Almonds

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt the flavors to your liking, creating unique combinations that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Here’s a breakdown of flavor combinations and dressing options that will inspire your next culinary adventure.

Flavor Combinations

This table showcases different flavor combinations that complement shaved Brussels sprouts, bacon, and almonds. | Flavor Profile | Ingredients | Notes ||—|—|—|| Sweet and Savory| Dried cranberries, goat cheese, toasted pecans | The sweetness of the cranberries balances the saltiness of the bacon, while the goat cheese adds a creamy tang.

|| Citrusy and Zesty| Orange zest, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts | The citrus zest brightens the dish, while the pine nuts add a nutty crunch. || Spicy and Smoky| Chili flakes, smoked paprika, toasted walnuts | The chili flakes and smoked paprika add a kick of heat, while the walnuts provide a smoky flavor.

|| Earthy and Nutty| Sage, rosemary, toasted hazelnuts | The earthy notes of sage and rosemary complement the nutty flavor of the hazelnuts. |

Dressing Options

The choice of dressing can dramatically alter the overall flavor profile of the dish. Here’s a comparison of different dressing options:| Dressing Type | Characteristics | Notes ||—|—|—|| Vinaigrette| Light and tangy, perfect for showcasing the fresh flavors of the Brussels sprouts.

| A classic vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs is a simple and delicious choice. || Creamy Dressings| Rich and decadent, adding a creamy texture to the dish. | Creamy dressings can be made with mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt.

They can be flavored with herbs, spices, or citrus. || Herb-Based Sauces| Fresh and flavorful, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. | A simple herb-based sauce can be made with chopped parsley, dill, and lemon juice. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

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Unique Variations

Here are some unique and innovative variations of this dish, incorporating ingredients like dried cranberries, goat cheese, or citrus zest:

Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Almonds, and Dried Cranberries

• This variation adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to the dish. The dried cranberries complement the savory flavors of the bacon and almonds.
• To prepare, simply toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with the bacon, almonds, dried cranberries, and your favorite dressing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Almonds, and Goat Cheese

• This variation adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish. The goat cheese pairs beautifully with the bacon and almonds.
• To prepare, toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with the bacon, almonds, goat cheese, and your favorite dressing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Almonds, and Citrus Zest

• This variation adds a bright and zesty flavor to the dish. The citrus zest complements the savory flavors of the bacon and almonds.
• To prepare, toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with the bacon, almonds, citrus zest, and your favorite dressing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

This dish is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, and its presentation is as important as its taste. To truly elevate this culinary creation, consider these serving suggestions and presentation tips.

Assembling the Dish

To assemble this dish, start by arranging the shaved Brussels sprouts on a serving platter. Next, sprinkle the toasted almonds evenly over the sprouts, followed by the crispy bacon pieces. Finish by drizzling the dressing over the entire dish, ensuring it coats all the ingredients.

Visual Representation, Shaved brussels sprouts with bacon and almonds

Imagine a platter showcasing a bed of delicate, shaved Brussels sprouts, their light green hue contrasting beautifully with the golden-brown almonds and the crispy bacon bits scattered throughout. The dressing, glistening with its vibrant flavor, adds a final touch of artistry.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some suggestions:

• Side Dishes:Consider serving it with a light and refreshing salad, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a creamy potato gratin for a heartier accompaniment.
• Beverages:A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would complement the dish’s fresh flavors. Alternatively, a light beer or a sparkling cider would also be a good choice.
• Other Menu Items:This dish can be served as a starter or a light lunch. It also pairs well with roasted chicken or fish, providing a flavorful contrast.