Seared Brussel Sprouts with Halloumi and Pomegranates

This is a new side that I made up to add to the table this year. I always love to have some green on the table against all the beautiful golden colors. The brussel sprouts are blanched in hot boiling water and then shocked in ice water to stop the cooking. Seared in a large saute pan with a little bit of butter until cook through and golden and then tossed with delicious salty halloumi and sweet tangy pomegranates are just like little beautiful gems that just give a little crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 block halloumi
• 4 cups brussel sprouts, cleaned and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• salt and pepper
• reduced balsamic drizzle on top*

Directions

In a medium non stick saute pan, heat over medium heat with just a little olive oil. Slice the halloumi int 1/4 or so slices. Sear the halloumi about 1-2 minutes on each side just until heated through and golden brown. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and a bowl of ice water next to the stove. Drop in the brussel sprouts and cook for about 1-2 minute just until they turn bright green and are almost fork tender. Remove from the boiling water and drop right into the ice water to stop the cooking.

Strain them out and lay flat on a sheet pan. Pat them dry. Heat the same non stick pan over medium high heat with the olive oil and butter and start to sear the brussel sprouts cut side down. Season with salt and pepper. Let them cook for just a couple minutes until they start to turn golden and then shake them around. You may have to cook them in batches if they can’t all fit into the pan, you don’t want to crowd the pan. Pour them into a large mixing bowl. Dice up the halloumi into large pieces and then toss in the pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with the reduced balsamic on top and serve immediately!

Reduced Balsamic

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Place the balsamic and the sugar into a small sauce pan and cook on medium until the balsamic has thickened and will coat the back of a spoon. It will take about 10-15 minutes or so.