Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Dried Cherries and Israeli Couscous

by Erin

As far as I am concerned, no brussels sprouts should ever be boiled. Roasting is the way to go! Add some bacon, dried, cherries, and pearl couscous for an excellent side dish.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Dried Cherries and Israeli Couscous #pearlcouscous #holidaysidedish

I cannot believe I have been without brussels sprouts in my life until the very end of 2011. What was wrong with me for the past 26 years? (On second thought, don’t answer that.) Because every time I have them, I love them more than before. They may already be my new favorite vegetable.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Dried Cherries and Israeli Couscous #brusselssprouts #couscous

This side dish counts as only the third time I have ever had brussels sprouts and am planning subsequent meals around it in the furture. Yes I am planning meals around a side dish, which should convince you to make this asap. Heck, maybe I’ll even eat is as an entree one day. It is such an easy recipe to throw together and has incredible flavor.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Dried Cherries and Israeli Couscous #sidedish #thespiffycookie

Looking for more brussels sprouts recipes? Try these other versions:

One year ago: Homemade Tagalongs

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON, DRIED CHERRIES AND ISRAELI COUSCOUS

Serves 4 as a side dish

Ingredients:

16-18 brussels sprouts, very thinly sliced

4 slices bacon, preferably black pepper-rubbed (available at Whole Foods and butcher shops)

1/2 cup Israeli couscous

1/3 cup dried Bing cherries

1/4-1/2 tsp salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Bring 3/4 cup water to a boil and add the couscous plus a pinch of sea salt. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until no more water remains. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon in a cast iron skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and roughly chop. Add thinly sliced brussels sprouts to the hot bacon grease on the stove and saute for about five minutes, until the sprouts turn bright green. Add back in the bacon bits along with the dried cherries and cooked couscous. Toss well and season with salt to taste.

Source: Adapted slightly from Eat, Live, Run.

Post updated 12/18/19, the picture above is the original.

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11 comments

Liz February 24, 2012 - 8:01 pm

Oh, my gosh…this looks FANTASTIC!!!

Reply
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers February 23, 2012 - 10:02 pm

I just started eating Brussels sprouts and I love them too!! I never used to, but now mmmm, good! Your dish looks out of this world. I need to make this one with the hundred of other recipes you have posted!!

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spiffycookie February 23, 2012 - 10:25 pm

You should just be my taste tester.

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Jenni February 23, 2012 - 7:16 pm

Oh my gosh, I just had brussel sprouts for the first time this week (my post goes up in the morning, come check it out!), and I cannot agree with you more – I LOVE THEM! I definitely want to try this recipe, it looks great!!

Reply
spiffycookie February 23, 2012 - 10:24 pm

Can’t wait to see your recipe!

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Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts February 23, 2012 - 5:45 pm

What a great way to make brussels sprouts. So many great flavors in there, who wouldn’t love this!

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Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) February 23, 2012 - 4:34 pm

I love Brussels Sprouts but do not eat them nearly enough! Thanks for the reminder! :)

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Ron V February 23, 2012 - 3:49 pm

I always love brussel sprouts when I think to buy it but I do not think of it often enough. This recipe sounds great.
We will try it soon. I bought some sprouts yesterday just before I saw your recipe.

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Tracey February 23, 2012 - 3:02 pm

I just discovered brussels sprouts in the last few years too. They’re good as is, but add bacon and dried cherries and now they’re just completely irresistible!

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Living The Sweet Life February 23, 2012 - 1:39 pm

I’ve actually only recently started liking Brussel sprouts, – – roasted with balsamic reduction is to.die.for. and also sautéed – – the way you made it. Growing up it was always steamed ( or over boiled, creating a yucky mush!!).

I’m so in love with this couscous – – I’m so tempted to make it tonight, and take it to work for lunch tomorrow. It would be the perfect meal :)

Reply
natalie (the sweets life) February 23, 2012 - 10:56 am

totally don’t blame you–i loooooove brussels sprouts :)

Reply

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