Brussels Sprouts Mash with lemon thyme and crispy chicken bacon? Sounds quite delicious, right? That’s a great alternative to your Thanksgiving festive menu.
Brussels Sprouts Mash
This post was originally published in September 2015. I have taken and uploaded new photos. I have also altered the recipe by adding the Option #2. This version is healthier than the first one as I dramatically reduced the amount of fat. I also made maple flavor bacon this time. The blog post itself remains unchanged.
But believe it or not, this dish didn’t mean to be. Originally, I was planning to make zucchini noodles with a brussels sprouts sauce and the chicken bacon. However, soon after I started cooking the Brussels sprouts, and the flavors started to appear, I came to realize I needed to change the concept.
It had to be an all-star of our meal.
Brussels Sprouts Mash sounded right for me.
I had some chicken breasts in the refrigerator so I poached them in boiling water with a mixture of the spices. I might have thrown the all different kinds of spices and dry herbs so I won’t be counting them. The chicken was moist and nice.
As for the Brussels Sprouts Mash, there’s nothing complicated. One pan. Brussels sprouts. Olive oil, cream, and butter for a rich and velvety consistency. Finally, garlic, lemon thyme, and smoked paprika to jazz that up. And some chicken bacon for a texture and additional smoked flavor. And because it’s bacon. We don’t need a reason to incorporate some bacon, do we?
Now imagine this deliciousness! Smooth, fluffy, rich, and buttery mash, with the distinctive predominant sprout flavor and the herbal flavor in the background. Besides, the bacon. Did I mention it?
That’s heaven, my friends. I could have eaten the entire plate. No chicken needed. Such a shame I needed to share.
With a Thanksgiving day on the corner in Canada (and coming later on in the USA), this Brussels Sprouts Mash could be a great option for your side dish.
So, if you have already started planning your Thanksgiving menu, there’s great news, friends! I’ve just helped you to opt one of your sides:) Sounds presumptuous?
Brussels Sprouts Mash
Notes
havocinthekitchen.com
Ingredients
1st Option:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (cut in half if large)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic gloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme
- 1-1,5 tablespoons butter
- salt, pepper, to taste
- 1/3 - 1/2 cup light cream (5-10%)
- smoked paprika, to garnish
- 4-5 chicken bacon strips, finely sliced
2nd Version:
- 1 pound frozen Brussels sprouts (You can use fresh, but the cooking time will be longer)
- 1/2 tsp. coconut oil
- a pinch of garlic powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika + more to garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- salt, pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp. light cream cheese
- 100-125 gr. chicken or turkey bacon strips, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup
Instructions
1st version:
- In a small pan cook the bacon as recommended (4-5 minutes) or for the desired consistency. Set aside.
- In a large pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for about 3-4 minutes until start to golden.
- Decrease heat to low medium. Add hot water (about 1/2 - 2/3 cup), cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 3-4 minutes - by this time the garlic and sprouts should be soft.
- Off heat. Add the salt, pepper, lemon thyme, and butter. Process in a processor until the chunky consistency. Add the cream and whip up for another 15 seconds, until smooth with some chunky pieces.
- Serve topped with the bacon.
- Enjoy!
2nd version:
- Melt the coconut oil in a pan and cook the sprouts, 5 minutes, over high medium heat, until started to golden.
- Decrease heat. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Add about 1/2 cup of water (no need to fully cover; we are mostly steaming the sprouts). Cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until soft (will take longer if using fresh sprouts). Add the thyme when ready and let slightly cool until easy to handle.
- In a separate pan cook the bacon few minutes then add the maple syrup and cook a few extra minutes, stirring, until caramelized.
- Mash the sprouts in a food processor, until a chunky or smoother texture. Add the cream cheese and combine. Stir in more fresh thyme. Try and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve with the caramelized bacon.
- Enjoy.
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
You sold me on this one! The photos are beauties too Ben. I love this idea and will definitely give it a go. Pinned! :)
Kevin | Keviniscooking recently posted…Espresso Chocolate Toffee Almond Shortbread Bars
Give it a go please:) Thanks Kevin!
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Grape Roasted Chicken Thighs
I’ve never had a brussels sprouts mash before. But I do love brussels sprouts, and anything that is described as smooth, fluffy, rich, and buttery plus has bacon has to be just about perfect. Love it Ben!
Maya @ Treats and Eats recently posted…Small Batch Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookies
And don’t forget the thyme flavor!:) Thanks, Maya!
Funny how sometimes you plan to make one dish and come out with something totally different. I love this, it looks so good!
Kristi @ My SF Kitchen recently posted…Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Sliders
Yup, that’s true! Thanks Kristi!
Brussels sprout mash? Wow! I love brussels sprouts but never had a smashed one before. This one sounds gorgeously yum. This dip is super genius. So delicious.
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen recently posted…Dal Baati Churma
Yes, it’s genius. And so am I! :) Just kidding – quite simple dip:) Thanks, Anu!
i love all things Brussel sprouts so this is obviously on my list. Great pictures too my friend!
Mike@TheIronYou recently posted…Immune-Boosting Blueberry Smoothie
Thanks Mike!
Oh my Ben! Mashed Brussels?? I will have to try this one!! well done!
petitgourmetsd recently posted…Fantasy rice #SundaySupper
You have to! Thanks, Gaila!
Mashed Brussels, eh? I thought I’d heard of everything…until now! We love our Brussels around here, and I’ve roasted them, grilled them, broiled them, etc. But never turned them into mashed Brussels. I might need this to happen soon. I bet they’d be great as a dip with tortilla chips!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Recently, I’ve been mashing pretty much all the veggies – so far this one is the most delicious!
I’ve never heard of anything like this, and it sounds delicious! Beautiful photographs, man! Bravo!
Thank you!