You may have turned away from Brussels sprouts as a child, but take it from a former hater, you need to give them another chance. When prepared just right, like sautéed with some butter, these little round veggies are simply delightful and deserve to be added to any dinner table.
Thanks to our recent chat with Vincenzo Betulia, chef and owner of Osteria Tulia and Bar Tulia, we now have this super easy recipe for Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Italian Sausage to share with you. Not only is this dish a customer favorite at the restaurant, it also provides the perfect healthy side dish for any holiday meal.
Osteria Tulia Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Italian Sausage
Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts, tops removed and halved
- 2 tablespoons whole unsalted butter
- 3 ounces olive oil
- 2 links of spicy Italian sausage (your favorite store-bought brand), casing removed and hand-pulled into small marble-sized chunks.
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large sauté pan, add one ounce of olive oil. Briefly heat the oil and add the sausage. Allow the sausage to cook and turn golden brown on all sides. Once the sausage has taken on a nice caramel color, remove from the pan and reserve on a small plate with a paper towel.
Remove any excess oil, but be sure to leave any drippings on the bottom of the pan—this adds wonderful flavor and depth to the sprouts. Add both the butter and olive oil. Heat over a high heat until the butter melts.
Add the sprouts. Quickly toss to coat the sprouts with the butter and oil mixture. Lower heat to medium high and allow to caramelize without agitating the pan. As the sprouts take on color, gently toss to prevent burning of the outer leaves. Once most sides of the sprouts look to be an even golden-brown, re-introduce the sausage to the pan and finish the sprouts in the oven until tender. About two to three minutes, depending on the size of the sprouts.
The best way to check if they are ready is to literally eat one. Make sure not to burn yourself though, as they will be extremely hot. Once tender, season with salt and pepper. The sprouts will taste like popcorn and you will truly impress your guests!
