Quick Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Coconut Ginger Sauce

http://cookieandkate.com/2013/quick-roasted-brussels-sprouts-coconut-ginger-sauce/

Recipe type: Side

Prep time:  5 mins

Cook time:  10 mins

Total time:  15 mins

Serves: 2

 

Tender roasted brussels sprouts tossed in a simple, spicy coconut ginger sauce. This vegan and gluten-free side dish comes together in less than 15 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

Spicy coconut ginger sauce

• ½ cup light coconut milk
• 1½ teaspoons fresh grated ginger or ¾ teaspoon powdered ginger
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar or sugar
• 1 teaspoon reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce*
• ½ to 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (to taste)**
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)

Brussels sprouts

• ¾ pound Brussels sprouts, nubby ends cut off, discolored leaves removed and sliced in half (smaller sprouts are better than large sprouts)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Sprinkle of sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your broiler. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, ginger, agave nectar and tamari. Add chili garlic sauce, to taste. Whisk the ingredients together and simmer for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors, stirring often. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the rice vinegar.
2. Set a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stove. Let it heat up for two to three minutes. It should be so hot that a few drops of water sizzle and quickly disappear after contact.
3. Toss the prepared Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt. Toss well, so that the sprouts are evenly coated in a thin layer of oil. Once the pan is hot, dump the sprouts into the pan and quickly rearrange them so the flat sides are face down. Let them cook for about two minutes, or until they are starting to brown on the bottom.
4. Transfer the pan to your broiler. The pan will be heavy and hot so use oven mitts and be careful! Let the Brussels broil for about three minutes. Check the sprouts for doneness—their tops should be a little browned and the bottoms caramelized. How long you should leave them in there depends on your preferences and your oven.
5. Transfer the sprouts to a bowl(s), drizzle with coconut ginger sauce and serve.

NOTES

Brussels sprouts roasting method adapted from my roasted brussels sprouts and cranberries with barley recipe.
PREPARATION TIPS: If you want to make more than 2 servings at once, I'd suggest roasting the halved sprouts, lightly coated in coconut oil, at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until tender and caramelized (around 20 to 25 minutes), turning halfway. Multiply the quantities of sauce ingredients as necessary.
If you want to turn this side into a full meal, serve the sprouts and sauce over a bed of long-grain rice and tofu. Find my recommended rice cooking method here. For crispy baked tofu, toss drained and cubed tofu in coconut oil and tamari/soy sauce and sprinkle with arrowroot starch or corn starch (optional). Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, tossing occasionally, until nice and crisp, about 20 to 30 minutes (for more detailed instructions, refer to check out my crispy baked tofu method).
*MAKE IT GLUTEN FREE: Tamari is a delicious, readily available Japanese soy sauce that is gluten free. Regular soy sauce is not gluten free.
**You can find chili garlic sauce in the Asian aisle of the grocery store. I love the stuff. If you can't find it, you could probably add sriracha, to taste, or just a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. 

Almond Feta

Almond Feta Cheese with Herb Oil

Makes 10-oz. round

Blanched almonds give this creamy-crumbly cheese a rich texture. Unbaked, it will be smooth and spreadable. Baking will make it a bit more crumbly, like traditional feta cheese.

• 1 cup whole blanched almonds
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 3 Tbs. plus ¼ cup olive oil, divided
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. fresh rosemary leaves

1. Place almonds in medium bowl, and cover with 3 inches cold water. Let soak 24 hours. Drain soaking liquid, rinse almonds under cold running water, and drain again.

2. Purée almonds, lemon juice, 3 Tbs. oil, garlic, salt, and 1/2 cup cold water in food processor 6 minutes, or until very smooth and creamy.

3. Place large strainer over bowl, and line with triple layer of cheesecloth. Spoon almond mixture into cheesecloth. Bring corners and sides of cloth together, and twist around cheese, forming into orange-size ball and squeezing to help extract moisture. Secure with rubber band or kitchen twine. Chill 12 hours, or overnight. Discard excess liquid.

4. Preheat oven to 200°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap cheese (it will be soft), and transfer from cheesecloth to prepared baking sheet. Flatten to form 6-inch round about 3/4-inch thick. Bake 40 minutes, or until top is slightly firm. Cool, then chill. (Cheese can be made up to this point 2 days ahead; keep refrigerated.)

5. Combine remaining 1/4 cup oil, thyme, and rosemary in small saucepan. Warm oil over medium-low heat 2 minutes, or until very hot but not simmering. Cool to room temperature. Drizzle herb oil over cheese just before serving.