Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

If Brussels sprouts have never been your friend, this is the dish that changes that. Roasting caramelizes them, the bacon brings salt and smoke, and a little maple ties it together. A vegetable you actually look forward to is worth keeping in the rotation, and that matters for the food diversity a healthy gut depends on. You do not have to love every nutrient-dense food on principle. You can just make this one taste good.

The sprouts are the medicine. Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts deliver fiber and are a source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, and the fiber feeds a healthier gut community. Source the bacon from a pig raised well and read the label so it stays clean, since the pork is real meat from a real animal and deserves that respect.

Before you serve them, look at the pan: the deep brown edges, the glaze catching the light, the bacon scattered through. Make the plate beautiful and sit down with a settled body. The state you eat in is part of how the food serves you.

Ingredients

• 2 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved if large
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (omit for low-FODMAP)
• 4 strips bacon
• 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Omit the black pepper the source lists, which is off-limits on strict AIP. The garlic powder and bacon carry plenty of savory depth without it. Keep the garlic powder for full flavor, or omit it if you are working low-FODMAP.

Method

• Heat the oven to 400F. Toss the sprouts with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the salt, and the garlic powder, then spread them on a parchment-lined sheet. Roast 25 to 30 minutes until fork-tender and browned.
• While they roast, crisp the bacon in a saute pan. Drain it, chop it, and leave a thin film of bacon fat in the pan.
• Return the pan to medium heat with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the roasted sprouts, drizzle with the maple syrup, and stir about 5 minutes until glazed and caramelized.
• Fold in the chopped bacon, adjust the salt and syrup to taste, and serve hot.

Air fryer variation

Toss the sprouts with 1 tablespoon oil, the salt, and the garlic powder. Air fry at about 375F for 12 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice, until tender and browned. Crisp and chop the bacon separately. Toss the sprouts with the maple syrup and bacon in a warm pan or bowl before serving. (verify - untested conversion)

*Adapted from acleanplate.com*