To all you haters out there, here’s the perfect recipe to change your mind about the much-maligned sprout!

Like Marmite, Brussels sprouts are a deeply polarising food, although if you reckon you hate them, it’s probably because you’ve been emotionally scarred by the overcooked monstrosities you were served at school. When prepared with a little care and cooked properly, sprouts are utterly delicious and trust us, they’re not just for Christmas. They’re bang in season this month, so why not try knocking up this simple, healthy and delicious little side dish with pancetta…

Ingredients

• Salt

• 900g/2lb 4oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed and loose leaves removed

• 2tsp olive oil

• 225g/8oz pancetta, cut into cubes

Method

Bring a saucepan of salted water to the boil and add the sprouts. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender, then drain in a colander. Heat a frying pan over a high heat until hot. Add the olive oil and pancetta cubes and fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pancetta is crisp and golden brown. Add the drained sprouts and stir together to warm through. Serve immediately.