Hearty Sausage with Brussels Sprouts

Mmm, sausage. Thanks to Mindy I'm slowly becoming a fan of Brussels Sprouts. So, when I ran across this recipe in my Flat Belly Diet book I decided that I should try it.

PS. I have all sorts of healthy type books that I never use but always think, hey maybe this will be the one that makes it all fall into place. Well of course there is no miracle trick, but I've found several things that I like from this book.

Ok, so there are two ingredients that I had a hard time finding. Once I found them and paid $18 just for the spices I thought to myself....this better be really good. However, if you decide to try this I would recommend looking in your international section for both of these spices. They have them at a much cheaper price. Live and learn.

Hearty Sausage with Brussels Sprouts (4 servings)
1 pound low-fat Italian turkey sausage (garlic or mild)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
6 whole cardamom pods, cracked (I didn't put the shells in)
1/4 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1. Remove the sausage from the casings and discard the casings. Crumble the sausage mean with a fork.

2. Warm the oil in a 12" skillet over high heat. Add the sausage, almonds, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and pepper. Cooks, stirring, and breaking up the sausage for about 6 minutes, or until the sausage and almonds become golden in places.

3. Add the Brussels sprouts and broth. Stir to combine. Cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender. Uncover and continue to cook for about 3 minutes, or until most of the liquid in the pan has evaporated. Divide evenly among 4 plates.

Serve on a bed of baby greens.

One serving 341 calories, or 356 if served on 2 cups of baby greens.

33 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber!!!!

When I gave this to Chris he asked if there was a dressing. I said no, and then we both ate. The flavors are very unique and yummy...if you're willing to try International type foods you'll love this.

I even ate the left overs and right now as I'm typing this before I go out to lunch my mouth is watering and I want to eat it.

Let me know if you try it!!!

AND, if you have a hard time finding the spices let me know. It's cheaper for me to mail them to you than to buy the full price kind!