Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Parmesan

I know what most of you are going to say… “I don’t like Brussels Sprouts” but think again.. when was the last time you tried?  You were probably very young and now that your taste have changed you didn’t think about trying them again?  Give it a shot, it’s worth it!

I asked myself the same question, not too long ago, when I saw a bag of these little things at the grocery.  I looked at them for a moment than I thought about all the food that I was not eating as a kid that I now enjoy… maybe it was going to be the same for the sprouts?  I decided to give them a shot but I was very skeptical about the whole thing.. I remembered my mom making some when I was younger and I  HATED my first experience with Brussels Sprouts, till I tried this very simple recipe…

– INGREDIENTS –

Brussels Sprouts

3 teaspoon of Oil (I used extra virgin olive oil)

2 fresh garlic cloves or more

Parmesan

Pepper to taste

1- Start heating a non stick pan at a very low temperature (I usually let my setting on 3 the whole time) with 2 teaspoons of oil and cover it.

2- Cut the Sprouts in half, remove the bad leaves (usually the first 1 or 2) and don’t forget to wash them.  Put the sprouts in a mixing bowl and add 1 teaspoon of oil, mix and reserve.

3- Crush the garlic cloves or cut them with a knife (as small as possible) and add them to the heated pan.  The garlic will help us to know when is the perfect time to add the Sprouts.

4- When you start hearing a little grill sound coming from the garlic, it’s time to add your brussels sprouts to the pan.   Make sure you put the flat side touching the bottom of the pan, it’s the best way for them to get as much heat as they can.  Cover it and let it cook during 10 to 12 minutes all depend on the size of the spouts you have.

** Reduce the heat if you find that it’s grilling too much because you wouldn’t want to burn the sprouts before the heat have the time to get everywhere.  You can also move the sprouts of place to make sure that the hot spot in the middle of the pan is touched by all of them at least once, but that step is optional.  Lift you sprouts with some kitchen tongs to see if the bottom is too grilled or not. **

5- To know if your Sprouts are soft enough to eat, lightly penetrate the bigger sprouts with a fork.  When it’s easy to do, they are ready!  Once you’re sure they are soft enough, mix them well in the pan so even the round side touch the bottom of the pan and add your Parmesan.  This part is really at your discretion but I usually put 1 tablespoon of Parmesan or sometimes a bit less.  Add a bit of freshly grounded pepper and here you go!  You have the perfect side dish and you’re new favorite way to eat Brussels Sprouts!