Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta with Hazelnuts

yield: SERVES 4 prep time: 10 MINUTES cook time: 20 MINUTES total time: 30 MINUTES

 

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons butter

8 ounces whole-wheat pasta (or Gluten-Free)

1/2-cup hazelnuts

1-tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-tablespoon shallot, minced

2 cups chopped brussels sprouts, stems removed

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

First, brown the butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat and continue to cook, swirling occasionally, until butter turns golden brown, Skim foam from top, and remove from heat. Pour into a bowl to stop the cooking, leaving any burned sediment behind; set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. When the water comes to a rolling boil, add a little salt, then add the pasta. Cook pasta to al dente, cooked through but still a little firm. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a small sauté pan over medium heat, toast the hazelnuts until they become lightly browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. (You can also toast the hazelnuts in the oven at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes — watch closely to prevent burning.) Place the toasted hazelnuts on a towel and rub together to remove the skin. Roughly chop the hazelnuts and set aside.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and shallots and cook for 2 minutes. Add the brussels sprouts and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the pasta and hazelnuts. Pour browned butter over the pasta and sprouts. Stir well. Cook until pasta is heated. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.