Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts

Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts with grated Parmesan

Ingredients:

5 Brussels sprouts per person (halved lengthwise)
several tablespoons of olive oil (enough to coat the bottom of a skillet)
1 minced clove of garlic per each 5 Brussels sprouts
salt and black pepper to taste
fresh lemon juice for steaming
butter as desired (optional)
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Begin by placing Brussels sprouts in a single layer with the flat side down on the olive oil coated skillet.  Over medium heat allow the Brussels sprouts to cook until they have browned on the flat side (this takes about 8 to 10 minutes).  Using tongs, turn the Brussels sprouts over to their rounded sides and let them sear for a few minutes.  Then turn the sprouts back over and add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan.  Move the seasonings and garlic around in the pan to allow the garlic to begin cooking (this only takes about a minute), then turn the heat up just a little and pour in the lemon juice.  Put a top on the pan and allow the Brussels sprouts to steam for a couple of minutes or until they are as tender as you prefer (we like ours not overly tender).  If necessary you can add a tablespoon or so of water for further steaming if they are not tender enough for your tastes.  When the Brussels sprouts are tender, you can add a tablespoon of butter if you wish and some people also like just a small sprinkling of nutmeg and/or a little grated Parmesan cheese.