Roasted Acorn Squash with Brussel Sprouts (AIP, Paleo)

Sometimes it's fun to try your favorite foods in different ways. Usually I just bake my acorn squash in halves and stuff it with meat or other veggies. However, this time I decided to ditch the shell, chopped up the squash it in to bite size pieces and mix in some brussel sprouts. I coated them all with bacon fat, because, I mean it's bacon fat, but you can use your favorite fat of choice. This is a delicious side to go with your favorite protein and a fun new way to try this versatile squash.

Roasted Acorn Squash with Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash, peeled and diced
• 1 lb fresh or frozen brussel sprouts, halved or quartered if really big
• 2 tablespoons warmed bacon fat (or your fat of choice)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Add prepped acorn squash and brussel sprouts to a cooking sheet.
3. Drizzle veggies with bacon fat and top with spices. Toss until completely covered.
4. Place in preheated oven for 30 mins, stir once, half way through.
5. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Grilled Marinated Summer Vegetables (AIP, Paleo, Vegan)

Growing up, my summers included swimming all day and countless cookouts in parents backyard. They would invite friends and neighbors over, and we would grill and eat outside as often as we could. As an adult, I realized grilling can be done year round, but it is not the same as grilling between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

One item you could always count on as part of every summer party was my dad's grilled veggies. He could never seem to make enough either. They were good immediately off the grill, a few hours later, or even cold from the fridge later that night or the following morning.

A few weeks ago, I was craving these veggies so badly with the warm weather we have been having, so I had to figure out a way to make them ASAP. Normally, my dad would marinate the veggies in a store brand Italian Dressing, but knowing this option was not going to work for me, my first step was to create an AIP friendly Italian Dressing.

These veggies are perfect to take to any cookout for fellow AIPers or non-AIPers and can be enjoyed even a day or two after, if they last they long. This weekend, my parents came over for a cookout at our house and I made these veggies for everyone to enjoy. My dad said they were just as good as his, if not possible better, so I had to share the recipe with you all. Feel free to use the recipe as a guide to add and subtract veggies as you like to make the perfect dish for your family.

Grilled Summer Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 cup brussel sprouts, halved
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
• 6-7 garlic cloves, whole
• 2 cups white mushrooms, sliced 
• 3-4 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 medium red or sweet vidalia onion, roughly chopped
• 1 cup Homemade Italian Dressing

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Make sure veggies are completely coated in dressing.
2. Allow to marinate for at least 4 hrs, but can be up to 24 hrs. I recommend doing it the night before, or in the morning before work for dinner in the evening.
3. When ready to grill, heat grill over medium heat. You will need to use either a Vegetable Basket, aluminum foil boat or some other grill pan that will prevent the veggies from falling through the grates.
4. Once the grill is warm, add veggies to basket (or aluminum or pan). If you have a smaller grill or basket, you might need to do it in batches.
5. Grill veggies for about 35-40 minutes, stirring every so often. You want them to have some nice grill marks, but not be too over cooked. They will still have some crunch to them.
6. Enjoy along side your favorite summer time dishes. 

Shared on AIP Recipe Roundtable
Featured on Autoimmune Paleo Recipe Round-Up June '15

Braised Apple-Plantain Brussel Sprouts (AIP, Paleo)

Brussel sprouts have to be my most favorite vegetable ever. They are truly more versatile than many give them credit for, which makes them so fun. I really have no idea how I put this brain child of a recipe together. It began by trying to figure out how to cook as many veggies I can in one pan that actually work together. Totally makes sense right? Everyone wants less dishes to wash at the end of a meal. It is super fun to be surprised when something like this actually turns out to be delicious. Which is, of course, why I had to share it all with you.

Sweetly Braised Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ medium red onion, sliced (about ½ cup)
• 2¼ cup brussel sprouts, fresh or frozen
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 yellow plantain, peeled and diced (about 1-1¼ cup)
• 1 small apple, cored, peeled, and diced (about 1 cup)
• ¾ cup bone broth

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan (one that has a lid) over medium-high heat.
2. Once oil is heated, add sliced onions to the pan and sauté them for approximately 4-5 minutes or until they become translucent.
3. Add brussel sprouts and salt to pan and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Finally, add plantain, apple, and bone broth to pan. Stir to combine and bring broth to a light boil.
5. Turn heat to low, cover, and let mix simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Remove lid, stir, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until liquid disappears.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Shared on AIP Recipe Roundtable

Sautéed Brussel Sprouts (AIP, Paleo, Vegan)

Growing up, like many kids, I refused to eat brussel sprouts. I am pretty sure my mom didn’t even bother trying to feed them to us. Back then, you boiled or steam them, and it’s no wonder I thought they were gross. When you sauté brussel sprouts make them almost candy like. I seriously cannot stop popping this in mouth, even before the get on the plate.

I guaranteed the your family will enjoy these and what’s even better, I am including a bonus recipe to make brussel sprout chips! Yes, they are good as the sound.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh brussel sprouts (though can be done with frozen)
• 1 tablespoon of butter (try and get grassfed or organic unsalted butter)*
• Sea salt
• Ground pepper (omit for AIP)
• Nutmeg (omit for AIP)

*As an AIP substitute, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil.

Preparation

1. Cut hard stem off of each sprout, and either half or quarter.
Note: When using fresh sprouts, you will notice the outer shell fall off when you cut the stem. Don’t throw those away! They make the most delicious chips. follow this recipe by Nom Nom Paleo .

2. Heat a medium size pan at medium to medium high heat.
3. Add cooking fat to pan and let it melt until it starts to bubble. At this point sprinkle a little nutmeg. Skip this step for an AIP friendly dish.
4. Add brussel sprouts to pan.
5. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the sides start to burn and they are fully cooked. Stir frequently, so they don’t stick to the pan. When they are almost done, sprinkle with a little sea salt and ground pepper (omit for AIP). 
Note: if cooking with frozen sprouts, start by cooking them covered for about 3-5 minutes. Then remove lid and cook for the additionally 8-10 minutes.

6. Serve and enjoy with any meal or just snack on them!