Vegetable Side Roasted Maple Brussel Sprouts With Pancetta Chestnuts Recipe 455

VEGETABLE SIDE: ROASTED MAPLE BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH PANCETTA & CHESTNUTS RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Roasting removes the shell and richens the flavor of chestnuts. Using the tip of a knife, cut a small X in the flat side of their outer shell, then spread them out on a baking pan. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes; you will see the skin curling away and the chestnut taking on a golden color. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. The shells can easily be removed. Set aside the chestnuts. Heat the olive oil in a large (approximately three- to four-quart) sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring often, until it renders its fat and is lightly browned. Add the chestnuts, toss or stir to combine, then cook for about one minute. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook, tossing or stirring, for about two minutes. Transfer vegetables to a rimmed baking pan or roasting pan; they should spread out into one slightly overlapping layer. Season with salt and pepper and roast in the upper third of the oven, stirring once halfway through until the vegetables are golden and tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Use the tip of a sharp paring knife to test the doneness at the base of a Brussels sprout; it should insert easily. In a small bowl or cup, stir together the water, maple syrup, and cayenne. Pour the mixture into the hot baking pan, using a wooden spoon to dissolve any browned bits. Return pan to oven and cook another five minutes. Serve hot or warm, family-style, in a festive bowl.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH PANCETTA AND MAPLE GLAZE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 475°F.
• Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until fat had rendered and the pancetta is crispy. Add the shallot and sauté 2 minutes longer.
• Stir in the sherry vinegar, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and simmer to reduce the liquid by half. This will take 20-25 minutes.
• While the glaze is reducing, toss the brussels sprouts with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and salt. Stir to coat evenly coat. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast 20-25 minutes.
• Toss the brussels sprouts with the glaze and serve hot.