So, you know how everyone loves a good appetizer, right? Well, picture this:
tender asparagus wrapped snugly in prosciutto, a dance of salty and fresh flavors that practically sings on your taste buds. (It’s like a gourmet hug for your palate!
) The best part? This dish is a breeze to make, even if you’ve spent the whole day binge-watching your favorite series on Netflix.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside for later use.
- Rinse the asparagus and pat them dry. Remove the tough, woody ends by snapping them off and set the prepared asparagus spears aside.
- Slice the prosciutto in half lengthwise. Wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of prosciutto, ensuring it’s snugly wrapped by gently pulling the prosciutto as you go. Place the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the wrapped asparagus with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add a sprinkle of ground black pepper over the top for extra flavor.
- Bake the asparagus in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The asparagus should be bright green and tender, while the prosciutto edges should be crispy.
- Move the cooked asparagus to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, preferably thick spears
- 3 to 3 1/2 ounces sliced prosciutto
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Ground black pepper
- Lemon zest, optional
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Nutritional Values
Calories: 360-540 | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 1824mg | Carbohydrates: 12g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Sugars: 4g | Protein: 24g | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 4mg | Potassium: 1036mg
FAQ
- Can I use thin asparagus spears for this recipe?
- It’s recommended to use thicker asparagus spears, around 16 to 18 per pound, as thin ones are harder to wrap and can dry out easily in the oven.
- What should I do if the prosciutto slices tear while wrapping?
- Prosciutto is often sliced thinly and can tear easily. Don’t worry if it rips a little; it will still look good after cooking. If pieces are too torn to use, they make a tasty snack!
- How do I prepare the asparagus before wrapping it with prosciutto?
- Rinse and dry the asparagus, then snap off the tough, woody ends at the bottom. Sometimes, up to an inch and a half may need to be removed. The trimmed parts can be used in other dishes if peeled and sliced.
- How long should I bake the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus?
- Bake the asparagus in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and the prosciutto is crisp around the edges.
- Do I need to add salt to the asparagus?
- Since prosciutto is naturally salty, additional salt is usually unnecessary. However, feel free to add lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose thicker asparagus spears, as they are easier to wrap with prosciutto and less likely to dry out during roasting.
- Don’t worry about torn prosciutto slices; they will still taste great and look fine after cooking. If any pieces are too torn to use, enjoy them as a snack!
- To prevent food waste, save the woody ends of the asparagus for a stir-fry by peeling off the rough exterior and slicing them into small pieces.
- For added flavor, sprinkle the roasted asparagus with lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.
Equipment
- Baking sheet (large)
- Parchment paper
- Vegetable peeler (optional, for peeling rough ends to use in stir-fry)
- Zester or Microplane (for lemon zest)
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
