Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
You know how they say, “Sometimes the most obvious choice is the best one?” I don’t know who “they” are… but they’re right.
I learned this lesson recently when trying to figure out something interesting to make with my bag of shaved Brussels Sprouts from Trader Joe’s.
I had bought them for the second week in a row — intending on coming up with an awesome recipe for them — then held out to the last minute until they were about to go bad.
Dead set on not letting this bag go to waste like the last, I decided to simply steam them for a side dish rather than wait for the perfect recipe to come to me (and inevitably have to throw them out again).
As I was opening the bag though, I noticed a recipe on the back.
Usually, I ignore the recipes on grocery store products, with the general assumption that they are all gross, generic, or totally unhealthy. But I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
TJ’s Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts, simply sauteed with a little oil and balsamic vinegar, sounded delicious.
Contrary to my beliefs, the recipe was pretty healthy. I had all the ingredients on hand, so I gave it a whirl.
I only made two adjustments: using turkey bacon instead of the regular fatty pig variety, and using coconut oil spray instead of 2 T. of olive oil. The result was fantastic.
Easy, healthy, and fast… just how I like it.
TJ’s Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
(by Whit)
Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
1 bag of TJ’s Shaved Brussels Sprouts
2 slices diced Turkey Bacon (I used Applegate Farms)
1/4 C. Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 C. Water
Cooking Spray
Pepper
Directions:
1. Spray skillet with oil and cook your turkey bacon on high heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.
2. Add brussels sprouts and continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring throughout.
3. Add vinegar and water, stir, turn the heat to low, and cover with a lid. Steam for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with pepper and parmesan cheese (optional).
5. Enjoy!
Total Calories: 95 (w/o cheese)
I already knew I loved Trader Joe’s for their (mostly) healthy products and cheap groceries and now I love them even more for their tasty recipes.
The next time you’re feeling uninspired, I recommend peeking at the back of their bags. You never know what delicious-ness you might discover.
Happy Monday!
* This post is NOT sponsored by Trader Joe’s.
Danielle says:
I’m so going to make this but I think i’ll add a drizzle of Trader Joe’s balsamic glaze at the end instead. That stuff is dangerously yummy with veggies.
wanted to share though! Their recipe for green bean casserole is to die for! It is on the back of their French fried onions, which are also the best frickin fried onions ever. I make it every thanksgiving with a few substitutes (mainly homemade béchamel sauce instead of canned soup) but I”ve made it exactly as the box says too and it was bomb! Anyway thanks for sharing this recipe.
Whitney English says:
Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely have to try that :) xo