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Make this easy Brussels sprouts with walnuts and cranberries side dish for your next dinner or holiday meal. The contrast in flavors is so good!
Some of my friends say theyโre over Brussels sprouts, but for those of us who didnโt truly discover them until the past five years or so, we say to bring โem on.ย
I love using them for side dishes like spicy glazed brussels sprouts or adding to main dishes such as beer-glazed sausage.
Brussels sprouts with walnuts and cranberries is one of my go-to side dishes because itโs quick and full of flavor contrasts: sweet cranberries, creamy-crunchy walnuts, and slightly bitter sprouts.
Plus itโs vegan so you can feel comfortable serving it to a large crowd (though you can always add bacon or pancetta for the carnivore set).
How to prepare Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts typically come loose in a mesh or plastic bag, but some stores or farmers sell them still on the stalk they grow on.
If theyโre on the stalk, use a paring knife to slice them off.
If they are bagged, trim off the bottom of the sprout where it was previously attached to the stalk, which usually has dried during shipment and storage.
Peel off the first outer leaf and discard. Remove any other leaves that might be wilted or browned.
Halve the sprout from top to bottom. If any leaves fall off, you can just add them to the bowl!
Smaller Brussels sprouts work best when youโre sautรฉing them quickly, so if yours are a bit large be sure to quarter rather than halve them. This will help ensure you get some of that lovely caramelization on each piece.
Ingredients you need
- Olive oil
- Brussels sprouts
- Walnuts
- Cranberries
- Salt & pepper
Thatโs it! This is such an easy Brussels sprouts recipe, and you probably already have the other ingredients on hand from your other holiday recipes like cranberry orange muffins.
If you like, you can also add a splash of stock or broth to deglaze the pan.
Of course, you can always add other flavors!
What to add to Brussels sprouts
Some great options include shallots, red onions, diced bacon, pancetta, or shaved parmesan.
Want to try another fruit? Go for diced or dried apples, dried cherries, or raisins.
For nuts, swap in almonds, chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, or pistachios.
Finish the dish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, orange juice, maple syrup, or a high-quality olive oil.
Change it up depending on who is joining you at the table. Because you can make it your own, everyone will love this Brussels sprouts Thanksgiving recipe.
More Brussels sprouts recipes you might like:
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It means so much when you enjoy my recipes, so let me know how it goes and leave a comment if you have any questions.
Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Cranberries
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, washed, trimmed, and halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยผ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ยผ cup vegetable broth, optional
- ยฝ cup roughly chopped walnuts
- ยผ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large sautรฉ pan over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper and stir to coat.
- Cook sprouts for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently. If desired, stir in vegetable broth to deglaze the pan.
- Add walnuts and cranberries and cook for another 5 minutes, until sprouts are caramelized. Serve immediately.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on online calculators. Any nutritional information found on Stetted should be used as a general guideline only.
This recipe previously appeared in the September/October 2013 issue of Hobby Farms.
About Megan
I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, Iโm here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen.ย Read moreโฆ
Oh yum!! This is officially on my (Canadian) Thanksgiving menu this weekend. And I am dairy-free so extra happy about the olive oil. So exciting!
I have loved Brussels sprouts for all of my 7 decades! Now that my non-cooking Hubs has to cook for me, I think even he can make this recipe! I hope so, because it sounds wonderful!