Introduction
This delightful Brussels sprouts dish combines earthy flavors with a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect side for any meal. The combination of toasted walnuts, juicy pears, and creamy blue cheese elevates the humble Brussels sprouts into a gourmet experience. Here’s how to bring this delicious recipe to life.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
– Pinch of salt and pepper
– 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
– 2 pears, sliced and chopped
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
To prepare this delightful dish, begin by toasting the chopped walnuts in a large skillet over medium heat until they are slightly browned. This enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Remove the toasted walnuts from the skillet and set them aside.
Next, in the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and let them cook without stirring for about 7 minutes. This step allows the sprouts to steam and become tender.
Once the time is up, uncover the skillet and add the toasted walnuts, chopped pears, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the Brussels sprouts mixture. Serve warm for an unforgettable addition to your meal. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
In a large skillet, add the chopped walnuts. Toast them over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are slightly browned and fragrant. This process should take about 3-5 minutes. Once toasted, remove the walnuts from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In the same skillet, pour in the olive oil. Allow it to heat over medium heat for about 1 minute.
Step 3: Cook the Brussels Sprouts
Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the Brussels sprouts cook without stirring for approximately 7 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Step 4: Add Ingredients
After 7 minutes, uncover the skillet. Carefully add the previously toasted walnuts, chopped pears, and lemon juice into the skillet. Stir the mixture gently to combine everything. Continue to cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes to warm the pears and meld the flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the Brussels sprouts mixture. Serve the dish warm and enjoy!
Notes
Tip for Walnuts
Ensure you keep an eye on the walnuts while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
Pear Selection
Choose ripe but firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy during cooking.
Cheese Alternatives
If blue cheese is not preferred, you can use feta cheese as an alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a warm salad on its own.
Cook techniques
Toasting Walnuts
Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and gives them a delightful crunch. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped walnuts. Cook for a few minutes until they are slightly browned and fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Sautéing Brussels Sprouts
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add halved Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper and cover the skillet to steam the sprouts for about 7 minutes. This technique helps to soften them while still retaining some bite.
Combining Ingredients
After initially cooking the Brussels sprouts, uncovered cooking allows for better flavor infusion. Add toasted walnuts, chopped pears, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir gently to combine the ingredients and allow them to cook together, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Finishing Touch with Blue Cheese
Sprinkling blue cheese over the warm Brussels sprouts mixture adds a rich and tangy flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and evenly distribute the cheese on top, allowing it to slightly melt before serving.
FAQ
How do I know when the walnuts are toasted?
Walnuts are toasted when they become slightly browned and fragrant. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with goat cheese, feta, or any cheese of your preference that complements the dish.
What other fruits can I use besides pears?
Apples or figs would both make excellent substitutes for pears in this recipe, adding their unique sweetness.
How can I ensure the Brussels sprouts are crispy?
To achieve crispiness, avoid overcrowding the skillet and ensure the heat is set to medium. Allow them to cook without stirring for a good initial steaming before uncovering.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and walnuts in advance, then combine everything just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
Conclusion
This delightful dish featuring Brussels sprouts, walnuts, pears, and blue cheese offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The nuttiness of the walnuts complements the rich creaminess of the blue cheese, while the sweetness of the pears adds a refreshing contrast. This combination makes for a remarkable side dish or a light main course, ideal for any season.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Feta
Try roasting Brussels sprouts and tossing them with pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta cheese for a sweet and tangy twist.
Walnut and Apple Salad
Combine chopped walnuts with mixed greens, sliced apples, and a honey mustard dressing for a crunchy and refreshing salad.
Blue Cheese and Pear Tart
Create a savory tart using puff pastry, blue cheese, sliced pears, and a drizzle of honey for a delicious appetizer.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roast Brussels sprouts in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and finish with a balsamic reduction for added depth of flavor.
Pear and Walnut Crisp
Make a cozy dessert by layering sliced pears with a walnut crumble topping and baking it until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream.
