Honey-Roasted Sprouts with Lentil-Quinoa Pilaf

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4 Servings

Brussels sprouts and honey might not be the most obvious pairing, but once you’ve tasted this spunky little food combo, you will not look back! The sweetness of the honey perfectly tempers the mustardy undertones of the sprouts. Combined with this nourishing, spiced quinoa and lentil pilaf, this is a hearty salad bowl you will crave time and time again.

Ingredients

2 1/4 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 cups red or white quinoa, rinsed
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

Instructions

Make the Brussels sprouts: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400°F.
Place the Brussels sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread into an even layer. Roast until tender and golden-brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with the honey. Meanwhile, cook the lentils and quinoa.
Make the pilaf: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the lentils and simmer until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the quinoa and stir to coat the grains in the spices. Add the broth, cover, and cook until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is translucent, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes for the grains to fluff up. Add the lentils and gently fluff with a fork or chopsticks.
To serve, pile the pilaf onto a large platter, top with the honey-roasted Brussels sprouts, and scatter over the herbs and hazelnuts.