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Brussels sprouts with crisp bacon and chestnut pieces in a speckled stoneware bowl.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts

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Serves 6 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 750 g Brussels sprouts
  • 200 g smoked streaky bacon chopped
  • 180–200 g cooked, peeled chestnuts roughly broken
  • 25 g butter
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt if needed

Method

  • Trim the sprout bases, remove damaged outer leaves and halve larger sprouts.
  • Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the sprouts and simmer for 4–5 minutes, until just tender with a little bite. Drain thoroughly and leave to steam-dry.
  • Put the bacon into a large frying pan over a medium heat. Cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring regularly, until cooked through and crisp at the edges.
  • Stir in the butter and chestnuts. Cook for 2–3 minutes, turning gently so the chestnuts keep some texture.
  • Add the drained sprouts and cook for another 3–5 minutes, tossing gently until piping hot and lightly golden in places.
  • Add black pepper, taste before adding salt—the bacon may provide enough—and transfer to a warm serving dish.

Tips, preparation and allergens

Best results: Drain the sprouts well before adding them to the frying pan, and keep their cooking time short so they retain their colour and bite.
Prepare ahead: Trim the sprouts and chop the bacon the day before, keeping them separately covered in the fridge. Use ready-cooked chestnuts to save time.
Dietary and allergen notes: Contains milk from butter. Check the bacon and chestnut packaging for additional allergens. Not vegetarian.
Timings: Timings are approximate.
Recipe from Free Range Christmas Turkey