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I remember the first time I tried Brussels sprouts; it was a soggy, bitter mess that my grandma forced me to eat. Needless to say, I wasn't a fan! It wasnt until years later, at a small farmers market, when I saw some beautifully vibrant Brussels sprouts that I decided to give them another try. Intrigued by their fresh appearance, I bought a batch and experimented with roasting them. My inital attemps were... less than stellar, to say the least. I either undercooked them, leaving them too hard, or I burnt them to a crisp, filling my kitchen with an acrid smell, ha! After a lot of trial and error I perfected the recipe and now I absolutely love Brussels sprouts and this recipe has completely changed my mind! These aren't your grandma's Brussels sprouts! I'm so excited to share it with you.
These Lemon-Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts are a delightful side dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor. The bright lemon zest and juice perfectly complement the earthy Brussels sprouts, while the fresh herbs add an aromatic touch. Toasted pine nuts provide a satisfying crunch, and the optional Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. It's a simple, yet sophisticated dish that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. And its the perfect edition to almost any main course, or just as a stand alone side.
Required Equipments
Baking Sheet
Large Bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Parchment Paper (optional)
Lemon Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts: Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Elevate your side dish game with these Lemon-Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts! This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a flavorful, healthy, and visually appealing dish perfect for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensuring the oven is fully preheated helps the Brussels sprouts roast evenly and develop a nice char. I've found that a hot oven is key to getting that crispy exterior!
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Wash 1.5 pounds of Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim off the ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Halve or quarter the larger sprouts so they are all roughly the same size. Uniformity is important for even cooking!
Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl: In a large bowl, toss the prepared Brussels sprouts with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each sprout is coated to achieve a perfectly roasted texture. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped rosemary, 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. I prefer sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup! Ensure they aren't overcrowded, or they will steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, toss the Brussels sprouts with tongs to ensure even browning. They should be tender and slightly charred around the edges.
Add Pine Nuts and Parmesan Cheese (optional): During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle 1/4 cup of pine nuts over the Brussels sprouts and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Watch closely to prevent the pine nuts from burning. Toasting them brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Serve Immediately: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Garnish with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Optional: For extra flavor, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting. It adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the lemon and herbs beautifully.
Don't Forget: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you toss the Brussels sprouts with the other ingredients. It gives the dish a subtle kick!
📝 Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Toast the pine nuts separately in a dry pan for added flavor and crunch.