Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

Roasting brings out the best in Brussels sprouts: It lightly caramelizes their edges but keeps them tender inside. Don't trim too much from the stem ends of the sprouts since they may fall apart. Country ham imparts saltiness to the dish; if it's unavailable in your market, substitute regular ham. Freeze leftover breadcrumbs for up to 6 months; use them to top macaroni and cheese casseroles.

Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 3/4 cup)

Ingredients

• 1  (1-ounce) slice white bread
• 3  pounds  Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1/4  cup  finely chopped country ham (about 1 ounce)
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
• 1  teaspoon  olive oil
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 3  garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Cooking spray
• 2  tablespoons  grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°.

Place bread in a food processor; pulse 2 times or until crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs on a baking sheet; bake at 425° for 5 minutes or until golden. Reduce oven temperature to 375°. Set aside 3 tablespoons toasted breadcrumbs, reserving remaining breadcrumbs for another use.

Combine sprouts and next 5 ingredients (sprouts through garlic) in a 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray, tossing to coat. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until sprouts are tender and lightly browned on edges, stirring twice.

Combine 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over sprouts. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

58 (19% from fat)

Fat:

1.2g (sat 0.4g,mono 0.5g,poly 0.2g)

Protein:

4.4g

Carbohydrate:

9.6g

Fiber:

3.6g

Cholesterol:

2mg

Iron:

1.4mg

Sodium:

211mg

Calcium:

57mg