Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

You can trim and halve these Brussels sprouts or cook them whole — adding a little water if you’ve decided on the latter.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 6 slices bacon

• 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1.Put 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Chop 6 slices bacon; add them to the skillet. Trim the Brussels sprouts.

2. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it releases some fat and crisps in places, 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Add the Brussels sprouts to the partially cooked bacon, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and ½ cup water.

4. Cover and cook, checking once or twice and adding small amounts of water as needed, until the Brussels sprouts are a little shy of tender, 6 to 10 minutes, depending on their size.

5. Remove the cover and raise the heat to high. Cook, resisting the urge to stir too much until the liquid evaporates and the Brussels sprouts become brown and crisp in places. Taste and adjust the seasoning and serve hot or warm.

— From How to Cook Everything Fast