Brussels Sprouts in Escabeche Tacos with Bacon

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 tablespoons olive oil (divided use)
  • 2 medium white onions, sliced 1/8-inch thick
  • 5 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
  • 4 x jalapeño chiles, stemmed, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 1/4 cups x chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 2 large sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), plus a few sprigs for garnish
  • 1 2-inch piece of cinnamon stick, preferably Mexican canela
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1/2 pound Brussels Sprouts, halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped, cooked bacon
  • Salt, about 1 teaspoon
  • 12 warm corn tortillas

INSTRUCTIONS

Making the escabeche. Heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a large (10- to 12-inch), deep skillet over medium-high. Add the onions, garlic and jalapeños; fry stirring often, until onions are crisp-tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the broth, vinegar, thyme, cinnamon stick, pepper, bay leaves and cloves. Simmer, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and season with the remaining salt, usually about 3/4 teaspoon.

Finishing the dish. In a large (10-inch) skillet set over medium high, add oil and Brussels sprouts and cook for 5-6 minutes until sprouts are browned on at least one side. Add Brussels sprouts to escabeche mixture, stir to combine and scoop into warm tortillas. Top with cooked bacon and queso añejo.