Roasted Garlic and Lemon Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan Cheese

Do you remember when you were a kid and you used to hate almost all vegetables? I probably liked more vegetables than most kids when I was young, but there were definitely a few that I told myself I would never eat again, and Brussels sprouts fit into that category. After trying one  with dinner some 20+ years ago, I didn't give them another chance until about three years ago. Somebody brought them as a side at a potluck, and I thought I would try them because they looked so good. And, they were pretty darn good. That was the turning point in my relationship with Brussels sprouts, and I have made a couple different recipes with them at home since then. These roasted garlic and lemon Brussels sprouts are one of my favorites since it is simple to make, and it makes a great side to many meals. If you were like me, and you wrote off Brussels sprouts a long time ago, I encourage you to give them another try. This time, you may like them! Enjoy.

Recipe for Garlic and Lemon Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan Cheese

INGREDIENTS:
 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts, rinsed

3 - 4 Tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. of freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 tsp. of salt
1/8 tsp. of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
A pinch or two of coarse sea salt
Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut of the ends of the Brussels sprouts and discard. Chop the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise. Put the Brussels sprouts into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice. Add in the pressed garlic, 1 tsp. of salt, and crushed red pepper flakes and stir well to coat. Spread the Brussels sprouts onto a baking pan and sprinkle with several grinds of freshly ground pepper and a pinch or two of coarse sea salt. Place baking pan into the oven and cook for 25 - 30 minutes, gently stirring halfway through the cooking. Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked to desired crispiness (I like them a little blackened), take out of oven and divide amongst plates. Sprinkle each serving with some Parmesan cheese.

Recipe makes approximately 4 servings. 

Recipe Adapted from: Cooking Classy,  originally from Whole Foods