Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus: a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress! Have you ever needed a dish that looks like you spent hours preparing it, but actually takes mere minutes? Look no further! This delightful combination of salty prosciutto and tender asparagus is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also bursting with flavor and visual appeal.

While the exact origins of wrapping vegetables in cured meats are difficult to pinpoint, the practice itself is deeply rooted in culinary traditions across the globe. Prosciutto, a dry-cured ham hailing from Italy, has been enjoyed for centuries, and its savory, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients. Asparagus, a springtime delicacy, adds a touch of freshness and a satisfying crunch to this classic pairing.

People adore prosciutto wrapped asparagus for its perfect balance of textures and tastes. The salty, melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto complements the slightly grassy and subtly sweet asparagus. It’s a delightful combination that tantalizes the taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it as an appetizer at your next dinner party, a sophisticated side dish for a weeknight meal, or even as a healthy and flavorful snack. The possibilities are endless! The ease of preparation is another major draw – with just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying. So, get ready to elevate your culinary game with this irresistible prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, thick spears preferred
• 8 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Asparagus:

1. Wash the asparagus thoroughly. Rinse the asparagus spears under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pay special attention to the tips, as they can sometimes trap debris.
2. Trim the tough ends. The bottom ends of asparagus spears can be tough and fibrous. To remove them, you have a couple of options. You can either snap them off – hold the spear near the end and bend it; it will naturally break off at the point where it becomes tender. Alternatively, you can use a knife to cut off about 1-2 inches from the bottom. I usually snap them, as it feels more intuitive and less wasteful.
3. Blanch the asparagus (optional). While not strictly necessary, blanching the asparagus briefly can help to brighten its color and slightly soften it, ensuring it cooks evenly when wrapped in prosciutto. To blanch, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 1-2 minutes, until bright green. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels before proceeding. This step is especially helpful if your asparagus spears are particularly thick.

Wrapping the Asparagus:

1. Prepare the prosciutto slices. Lay the prosciutto slices out on a clean work surface. If the slices are very long, you may want to cut them in half lengthwise to make them easier to work with. This also helps to ensure that the prosciutto crisps up nicely during cooking.
2. Wrap each asparagus spear. Take one asparagus spear and wrap a slice of prosciutto around it, starting near the tip and working your way down to the bottom. Overlap the prosciutto slightly as you wrap to ensure the asparagus is fully covered. If the prosciutto slice is too short to cover the entire spear, use another piece to finish wrapping. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little overlap is fine.
3. Repeat for all asparagus spears. Continue wrapping each asparagus spear with prosciutto until all the asparagus is used up. Arrange the wrapped asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cooking the Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus:

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you put the asparagus in, as this will help the prosciutto to crisp up properly.
2. Drizzle with olive oil. Lightly drizzle the wrapped asparagus spears with olive oil. This will help the prosciutto to crisp up and add flavor. You can use a pastry brush to ensure even coverage, or simply drizzle the oil from a spoon.
3. Season with pepper and red pepper flakes (optional). Sprinkle the asparagus with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Be careful not to over-season, as the prosciutto is already quite salty.
4. Bake the asparagus. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears and the temperature of your oven, so keep an eye on them.
5. Check for doneness. To check if the asparagus is done, pierce a spear with a fork. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. The prosciutto should be crispy and golden brown. If the prosciutto is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
6. Remove from oven and let rest. Once the asparagus is cooked to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the asparagus rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and prevent the asparagus from being too hot to handle.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Arrange on a serving platter. Arrange the prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears on a serving platter. You can arrange them in a single layer or stack them slightly.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional). If desired, drizzle the asparagus with balsamic glaze. This adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the salty prosciutto and earthy asparagus.
3. Garnish with lemon wedges (optional). Serve the asparagus with lemon wedges. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the prosciutto.
4. Serve immediately. Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is best served immediately while the prosciutto is still crispy and the asparagus is warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different types of prosciutto. Experiment with different types of prosciutto to find your favorite flavor. Prosciutto di Parma and Prosciutto di San Daniele are both excellent choices.
• Add cheese. Sprinkle the asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Wrap with bacon. If you don’t have prosciutto, you can use bacon instead. Just be sure to use thin-cut bacon so it crisps up properly.
• Grill the asparagus. For a smoky flavor, grill the prosciutto wrapped asparagus instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
• Add garlic. Mince a clove of garlic and mix it with the olive oil before drizzling it over the asparagus for added flavor.
• Make it spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the olive oil for a spicy kick.
• Serve as an appetizer or side dish. Prosciutto wrapped asparagus makes a delicious appetizer or side dish for any occasion. It’s perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple weeknight meal.
• Pair with a dipping sauce. Serve the asparagus with a dipping sauce, such as aioli, hollandaise sauce, or a simple vinaigrette.
• Make it ahead of time. You can wrap the asparagus in prosciutto ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Don’t overcook the asparagus. Overcooked asparagus will be mushy and unappetizing. Aim for tender-crisp.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving (depending on portion size and prosciutto type)
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Protein: 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates and a good source of protein and healthy fats. However, it is also relatively high in sodium due to the prosciutto. If you are watching your sodium intake, you may want to use a lower-sodium prosciutto or reduce the amount of prosciutto used.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for prosciutto wrapped asparagus! It’s a simple, elegant, and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests. Feel free to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Bon appétit!

Conclusion:

This Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus recipe isn’t just another side dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The salty, savory prosciutto perfectly complements the fresh, slightly grassy asparagus, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will elevate any meal. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers maximum impact. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s quick, elegant, and undeniably delicious. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a culinary genius without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or simply looking for a sophisticated snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy prosciutto and tender asparagus is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* As an Appetizer: Serve these little bundles of joy as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering. Arrange them artfully on a platter and watch them disappear in minutes. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

* As a Side Dish: Pair them with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete and balanced meal. They’re also a fantastic addition to a brunch spread.

* Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of prosciutto or even pancetta for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, try wrapping the asparagus in thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini. You could also sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of cheesy goodness. A squeeze of lemon juice after cooking brightens up the flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Another great variation is to grill the prosciutto wrapped asparagus instead of baking it. The smoky char adds a whole new dimension of flavor.

* Dipping Sauces: Consider serving them with a dipping sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. A creamy aioli, a tangy Dijon mustard sauce, or even a simple balsamic vinaigrette would be delicious.

* Elevate with Cheese: Before wrapping the asparagus, spread a thin layer of cream cheese or goat cheese for an extra creamy and tangy bite.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or fire up your grill!), and get ready to experience the magic of Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!

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