Brussels sprouts are some of those much maligned vegetables that never seem to be on the top of anyone's list (except the list of one of my sisters-in-law, but I'm afraid she's unusual). And until recently, I had to agree with the naysayers -- Brussels sprouts were in the wax bean (horrific) category in my book.
However, I have revised my opinion of the teeny weeny cabbages and now like them roasted, grilled and even raw. Yes, raw, as in a salad.
The other day at Trader Joe's (one of my many favorite supermarkets, see So Many Stores, So Little Time), I discovered bagged, shaved Brussels sprouts. Wow -- who would have guessed a market existed for this? But I was so excited, I grabbed two bags and tossed them in my cart.
When I got home, I combined the shaved sprouts with some prosciutto and pine nuts and tossed it all with a homemade lime dressing. My family was asking for more, and with Brussels sprouts, I consider that a significant accomplishment!
If you can't find packaged shaved Brussels sprouts, just slice or shave your own. This can be prepared a couple of hours in advance, just dress it about ten minutes before serving to maintain crispness.
Brussels Sprouts Salad
1-2 bags shaved Brussels sprouts
1/4 cup pine nuts (roasted slivered or shaved almonds would work nicely too)
1/8 cup small, torn pieces of prosciutto (bacon bits would work as a substitute)
1/3 cup olive oil
juice of one lime
celery salt
fresh ground pepper
1. Wash and pat dry Brussels sprouts and put in a large salad bowl.
2. Add nuts and prosciutto.
3. Pour oil into a bowl, add fresh lime juice, celery salt and pepper and whisk quickly until dressing emulsifies.
4. Toss salad with dressing and serve.
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