Coming at you this week with another easy vegetable side to add in to the mix.

And trust me, brussel sprouts have never been a favorite ingredient. Growing up, my grandfather hated eating anything “green” and my father had a particular distaste for the vegetable… or maybe it’s just kale he hates… still to this day!

But as I’ve gotten older and indulged in many a brussel sprout appetizer at fancy restaurants, I realized with the right amount of flavor and crispiness, I could eat them all day every day. I like them glazed. I like them fried. I like them baked… heck, even steamed now. Maybe that’s a sign I am in my 30s. 

Fun side thought – Nick shared a particularly funny Instagram video this week that said you know you are in your 30s when you: A – watch every show with subtitles. (Guilty!)  B – Get excited about going to bed. (Guilty!) C – Unnecessary noise annoys you. (Guilty-ish!) D – Feel the benefit of water after you drink it. (Super guilty!) D – Turn down the music to focus on driving better. (Definitely guilty.) and E – Get excited over a new household item (Also guilty.)

I think they could add an F to the list – If you enjoy eating brussel sprouts! (Guilty-est!)

This particular recipe is one I make at least once a week in my household as they are the perfect side vegetable to almost any meat and potatoes kind of meal.  Just don’t expect to have fresh breath after!

Super simple ingredients. The key is if you have a Trader Joe’s near you – buy their pre-shaved brussel sprouts. Otherwise the only onerous thing about this dish will be dicing or shaving the sprouts into smaller slices. Still worth it in my opinion but highly recommend saving yourself the time and effort whenever you can during a busy work week!

INGREDIENTS

Serving Size: 2-4

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Chop brussel sprouts into small shavings if using full bulbs and layer evenly on the baking sheet.
• Mince garlic and toss the brussel sprouts with the garlic, fresh squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Bake for 40 mins, stirring around halfway (20 mins.).
• Top with parmesan and enjoy!