Keto Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts

Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe

The holiday season is upon us, which means loads and loads of tasty but carb loaded food. If you are anything like me, the excitement of festive food dulls when you think of all the extra exercise and diets that will ensue. So, here is a solution – cranberry pecan brussels sprouts. Easy to make and tasty, you can serve it as a holiday side dish to add a pinch of health to your festive dining table. The holidays mean a lot of work – cleaning, decorating, deciding the menu, and more. Meaning? No time for breakfast or lunch. Well, my low carb thanksgiving side dish is here to your rescue. Not only is it delicious with cranberries and nutritious with sprouts, but also quick to make. Mix, whisk, and air fry is all it takes. No fancy ingredients are needed, either.

Are Brussels Sprouts Keto?

Yes, brussels sprouts are keto and make a nutritious addition to a low carb diet because of their carb content. Depending on which other ingredients you mix in your brussels sprouts, they have approximately 6g carbs per 0.5 cup, of which 2g is fiber. Brussels sprouts also provide Vitamin K and Vitamin C.

Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

There are many reasons why brussels sprouts benefit your health. Here are the top 6 health benefits to keep in mind when cooking and enjoying this holiday side dish.

• Nutrition-packed: If you were looking for a nutritious thanksgiving side dish to treat your kids, Brussels sprouts are it. It contains a high amount of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate, and magnesium. Vitamin K speeds up blood clotting, C boosts cell health for better immunity, and A maintains good eye health.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Brussels sprouts have an impressive amount of antioxidant content, especially that of kaempferol. They lower your risk of chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress in cells and promote good health.
• High in Fiber: On average, every 6g of Brussels sprouts pack 2g of fiber that benefits blood sugar level, aids the digestive system, and helps feed the good gut bacteria tied to immunity, anti-inflammation, and good mood.
• Natural Detoxifier: Besides packing high amounts of antioxidants, Brussels sprouts contain compounds that help deactivate harmful chemicals or remove them from the body more quickly. There are also sulfur compounds that can reduce ulcer risk.
• Contains ALA Omega-3: If you do not eat fish or seafood, Brussels sprouts are an excellent way to get your fill of ALA Omega-3 fatty acids.

How to Trim Brussels Sprouts?

Trimming brussels sprouts is super easy. Start with washing them under running water till they look clean. Then use a sharp knife to cut off the tough stem at the end of each sprout. Clip away yellow or damaged leaves too. Once done, cut them lengthwise in the middle, from the tip to the trimmed end. That’s it. It’s all done.

Make-Ahead Holiday Side Dish

Brussels sprouts is yet another convenient make-ahead dish. You can prepare it two to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat the side dish in the oven or an iron skillet. Add a little broth or olive oil when reheating to prevent it from going dry in the process.

Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Here are some helpful tips to get the best roasted brussels sprouts:

• To make the brussels crispier, spread them across the pan in a way that they are not touching each other. Overcrowding can cause a steaming effect instead of roasting.
• To maintain an even texture, cut all sprouts in a way that all pieces are of similar sizes.
• To keep the brussels sprouts soft inside and crispy outside, preheat the oven and roast them at a high temperature like 425°F.