Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Couscous Pilaf

On a recent visit home Mike’s mom mentioned eating out at a place that served Brussels sprouts with the tops chopped off so that they looked like flowers. We’re finally getting fall weather, so I figured it was time to give Brussels sprout flowers a try.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Couscous Pilaf

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• salt
• 2 tablespoons butter*
• 1 stalk celery, minced
• ½ medium carrot, minced
• ½ small onion, minced
• 1 cup gluten-free brown rice couscous
• 2¼ cups vegetarian “no-chicken” broth
• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
• ½ teaspoon dried sage

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Trim the stalk end off of the Brussels sprouts. Cut the sprout end off of the Brussels sprouts about one-quarter to one-third from the end, where the sprout is the widest. Reserve sprout ends for another use.
2. Place the sprouts on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with a few pinches of salt. Toss to coat. Place in the oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, removing halfway through to toss the Brussels sprouts.
3. With 30 minutes left on the Brussels sprouts, set a medium pot over medium heat. Add the butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Once heated, add the celery, carrot, and onion. Cook for a 4-5 minutes. Add the couscous. Cook for 1-2 minutes until starting to brown. Add the broth, parsley, tarragon, and sage. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-11 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Fluff the couscous, then set the lid askew on top of the pot. Let sit 5-10 minutes. Serve couscous topped with Brussels sprouts.

Serves 4

*Or use 2 tablespoons olive oil to make the recipe vegan.

Make sure to keep the Brussels sprouts on their sides to make prettier “flowers.” If the cut side is browned they don’t look nearly as nice.

This recipe is being shared in Meat Free Monday, Allergy Free Wednesday, and Gluten Free Friday.