Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Chicken, Pancetta & Toasted Hazelnuts
Yield
Serves 4
RECIPE Ingredients
- ½ cup raw hazelnuts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- 1 pack chicken leg confit, shredded off the bone
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 4 ounces ventrèche or pancetta, diced
- 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 generous teaspoon honey
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
Recipe notes
Chicken confit, crispy pancetta, toasted hazelnuts, Pecorino Romano, and a warm vinaigrette transform shredded Brussels sprouts into an otherworldly winter salad. Pair with some crusty bread and your favorite wine for a complete meal.
RECIPE Preparation
- Heat a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the hazelnuts, stirring often, until the skins split and nuts are fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. (You can also toast the nuts on a dry sheet pan in a 375 degree F oven for about 6-8 minutes if you prefer.) Remove hazelnuts to a clean tea towel and rub with the towel, while warm, to remove excess skins. Coarsely chop peeled nuts and set aside.
- Shred the Brussels sprouts finely with a sharp chef’s knife, or mandoline. Place in a mixing bowl along with the shredded confit and chopped hazelnuts; set aside. Stir shallots and vinegar together in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, add the ventrèche and cook until browned, crisped, and rendered. Remove ventrèche with a slotted spoon and add to the mixing bowl. Remove shallots from the vinegar and add to the bowl as well.
- Place the skillet with the rendered fat back over medium-low heat. Add vinegar, mustard, and honey and whisk until smooth. Pour warm vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss well to coat. Season with pepper to taste. Place salad in a serving bowl and top with grated cheese. Serve immediately.
