Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Pancetta

This was ok for something a little different, but I don't think I'll be making it again. The chiles were really tough and I felt like I just ate around them. They didn't seem to add much. I expected the sauce of the brown sugar and pancetta to be thicker, but it sort of just made things soupy.

• 1 1/2 lb shredded brussels sprouts, about 9 cups
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 dried ancho or guajillo chiles (1/2 oz each), stemmed, seeded, and cut into thin strips or rings
• 12 oz pancetta, cut into small cubes
• 6 Tbsp packed light brown sugar or piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar)
• 1 1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss together brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until brussels sprouts are slightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Add chiles to baking sheet; toss with brussels sprouts using tongs. Continue baking until chiles are fragrant and crisp, 5-6 minutes longer.

Meanwhile, place pancetta and brown sugar in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, until pancetta is cooked through and fat has rendered, 5-6 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large baking sheet; let cool about 3 minutes. Stir in chopped thyme.

Transfer brussels sprouts mixture to a large serving bowl. Add pancetta mixture; toss to combine well. Serve warm or at room temperature. 

NOTES: We bought a large bag of brussels sprouts and used the slicing blade on our food processor to get the shredded consistency.

Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe from People magazine