Choux de Bruxelles aux Lardons et Radis

Ahhhh...Choux de Bruxelles aux Lardons et Radis...truly a taste of paradise!  So maligned are poor Brussel sprouts that I thought using the French name for this dish might entice the wary into trying it.  Choux de Bruxelles aux Lardons et Radis translates as Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Radishes.  It is a surprisingly wonderful and colorful dish that packs great flavor for any Thanksgiving meal.

There are many versions of this dish.  Some cooks use pancetta instead of bacon.  Others throw in some garlic or slice the sprouts into thin wafers before cooking.  I've also read of people roasting rather than sauteing this dish.  I'm sure they all turn out yummy.

• Bag of fresh (preferably but frozen and thawed will work but not be as colorful) Brussels sprouts
• 4-5 slices of cooked bacon (uncooked is an option too...see below under OPTIONS)
• Some diced fresh radishes
• Oil or bacon grease
• Salt and pepper to taste

Slice the Brussel sprouts and steam until a brilliant green but not until they are mushy.

Put some oil or bacon grease in a non-stick skillet.  

Saute the sprouts and diced radishes in the oil.  As they cook, crumble up the bacon and saute with the vegetables.  

Salt and pepper to taste.

I like to saute my sprouts until they are nicely browned on the flat, cut side.

OPTIONS:  If you are eating a vegan or vegetarian diet, you'll of course want to forego the bacon and bacon grease.  The same goes if you are making this dish for a kosher Hanukkah.

But if you are a lardon-hungry carnivore, you can also make this dish by frying up some uncooked bacon and then sauteing your sprouts and radishes in the hot, bacon grease.  

DIETS:
Diabetic:  yes
Gluten Free:  yes
Nightshade Family Free:  yes
Paleo:  yes
SugarBusters:  yes
Sugar Free:  yes
Vegan:  yes*  (if you leave out the bacon and bacon grease)
Vegetarian:  yes*  (if you leave out the bacon and bacon grease)
Wheat Free:  yes
200 Calories or Under:  yes* (if you leave out the bacon and use oil sparingly)

Notice:  Be sure to check with your doctor and nutritionist about the safety of any eating plan for you.  Also, check ingredients as different brands and products may have different ingredients or have changed them since this post.  Some calories are estimates based on packaging.