Brussels Sprouts With Shallots and Wild Mushrooms
Your suspicions are confirmed: We did have the classic green-bean casserole with fried-onion topping on the brain when working on this recipe. But sweet, nutty roasted Brussels sprouts and a woodsy blend of wild mushrooms will make this luxurious variation a hit on even the most traditional holiday table. The fried shallots provide an irresistible savory crunch.
BY MAGGIE RUGGERIO

Photo by Roland Bello

Makes 12 servings
Active time: 45 min
Total time: 1 3/4 hr
INGREDIENTS:

FOR BRUSSELS SPROUTS:

3 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

FOR SHALLOTS:

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 lb large shallots (about 6), cut crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices and separated into rings (2 1/2 cups)

FOR MUSHROOMS:

3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter

1 1/4 lb mixed fresh wild mushrooms such as chanterelle and oyster, trimmed, quartered if large

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup water

EQUIPMENT:

a deep-fat thermometer

INSTRUCTIONS:

ROAST BRUSSELS SPROUTS::

Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 450°F.
Toss Brussels sprouts with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then spread out in 1 layer in 2 large shallow baking pans (17 by 12 inches). Roast, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through roasting, until tender and browned, 25 to 35 minutes.
FRY SHALLOTS WHILE BRUSSELS SPROUTS ROAST:

Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until temperature measures 250°F (see cooks' note, below), then fry shallots in 3 batches, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per batch (watch closely, as shallots can burn easily). Quickly transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, spreading in a single layer. (Shallots will crisp as they cool.) Pour off oil from skillet (do not clean).
SAUTÉ MUSHROOMS AND ASSEMBLE DISH:

Heat 5 tablespoons butter in skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, about 7 minutes.
Add wine, thyme, salt, and pepper and boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to a glaze, about 2 minutes. Add water (1/2 cup) and remaining tablespoon butter and simmer, swirling skillet, until butter is melted. Transfer to a serving dish and stir in Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle with some of shallots and serve with remaining shallots on the side.
COOKS' NOTES:

To take the temperature of a shallow amount of oil, put bulb in skillet and turn thermometer facedown, resting other end against rim of skillet. Check temperature frequently.
Shallots can be fried 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then kept in an airtight container lined with paper towels at room temperature.
Brussels sprouts can be roasted 5 hours ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then kept, loosely covered, at room temperature.
Mushrooms can be sauté ed 1 hour ahead and kept in skillet, partially covered. Reheat Brussels sprouts in a preheated 400°F oven and proceed with recipe.