Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

This roasted Brussels sprouts dish combines the savory taste of bacon, the crunch of pecans, and the tangy sweetness of cranberries, offering a multi-layered sensory experience. Through simple roasting, the freshness of the vegetables intertwines with the aroma of nuts, making it an excellent choice for holiday tables or everyday dinners.

👉🏻Ingredients list⚠️

• 500g Brussels sprouts

• 4 slices bacon (chopped)

• 50g pecans (chopped)

• 50g dried cranberries

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for freshness)

👉🏻✨DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).

2. Prepare Vegetables: Wash the Brussels sprouts, remove outer tough leaves, and halve or keep whole based on preference.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped bacon, pecan pieces, dried cranberries, and Brussels sprouts.

4. Season: Add olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss to ensure each sprout is coated.

5. Roast: Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet, leaving some space for even heating. Place in the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes, until the sprouts are lightly browned and the bacon is crispy.

6. Enhance Flavor (optional): Before serving, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top for an added freshness.

👉🏻✨TIPS

• Adjust roasting time based on personal preference for crispiness.

• Using fresh cranberries instead of dried will alter the flavor but remains delicious.

👉🏻✨BENEFITS

• This dish, with its vibrant colors, is not only visually appealing but also stimulates appetite, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-lovers. Pecans, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, support heart health; cranberries, abundant in antioxidants, benefit the urinary system; and Brussels sprouts, a cruciferous vegetable, are high in Vitamin K and fiber, contributing to bone health and digestive function.

👉🏻✨NUTRITIONAL

• Protein: From bacon and pecans, supporting muscle growth and repair.

• Healthy Fats: Unsaturated fats in pecans help lower cholesterol.

• Vitamins: Brussels sprouts are rich in Vitamin C and K, boosting immunity and aiding blood clotting.

• Minerals: Provides iron, calcium, and other minerals crucial for blood formation and bone health.

• Antioxidants: Cranberry antioxidants help fight free radicals, slowing the aging process.