Spicy Brussels and Turkey Bacon

For as long as I remember I was certain that brussels sprouts were, in fact, grown in frozen bags. I recall the days of microwaved brussels sprouts sitting on our dinner table, wafting their sulfury compounds around the kitchen. I have to give mom credit for all of the amazing dishes she made, brussels sprouts were not one of them. Sorry, mom! As soon as I was out of my parent's house, I vowed to never eat another sprout again. That was until, one night, at a restaurant in Fort Collins, Colorado, Restaurant 415. I was out with a group of friends who insisted we order the restaurant's brussels sprouts appetizer. I was pretty sure they were all crazy. Yet, what came to the table was not my preconceived bowl of sulfury mush. It was a plate full of slightly caramelized, greens with an incredible savory aroma. Their bright green pigment was very much unlike the greyish color I was anticipating. Lo and behold was the dish that changed my view of the brussels sprout, forever. I have since made renditions of the dish, making sure to keep the crunch of my sprouts intact (I have found that this is the secret).

This most recent dish has been, by far, my favorite. I have combined roughly chopped brussels sprouts with turkey bacon (the leaner cousin of the pork variety). I added a splash of tamari and bit of sriracha to add just the perfect amount of piquant and heat. This is quite possibly one of the most wonderful flavor combinations to come out of my kitchen. If you don't believe me, just give it a try! You won't be sorry. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups of shredded brussels sprouts 
• 2 slices of turkey bacon, chopped 
• 1 clove of garlic, minced 
• 2 TBS of tamari 
• 1 tsp of sriracha 
• 1 TBS olive oil

Directions: 

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the garlic and saute until it just begins to turn golden brown. 
2. Add the brussels sprouts and all other ingredients. 
3. Saute the mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts begin to wilt very slightly. 

Nutrition Content:

Serving Size: 1/2 cup    

• Calories: 55 cal
• Protein: 2.5 grams
• Fat: 3.4 grams
• Carbs: 5 grams
  • Fiber: 1.5 grams