Imagine a dish that transforms humble asparagus into a culinary masterpiece that's both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. This Italian-inspired recipe for Asparagus Wrapped in Crisp Prosciutto is about to become your new go-to appetizer that will impress dinner guests and satisfy your gourmet cravings. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances the earthy freshness of asparagus with the salty, crispy allure of prosciutto.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough woody ends. To do this, gently bend each asparagus spear near the bottom until it naturally snaps at the point where the tender part meets the tough part.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the spears completely dry using clean kitchen paper towels.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Take each slice of prosciutto and carefully wrap it around the middle of an asparagus spear, slightly overlapping the prosciutto to secure it in place. The prosciutto should cover approximately half the length of each spear.
- Arrange the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between each spear.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes. The asparagus should become tender and the prosciutto should turn crisp and slightly curled at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the asparagus to finish cooking and the prosciutto to crisp up further.
- Transfer to a serving platter. For an optional elegant touch, you can garnish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately while hot and crisp, as an appetizer or side dish. Best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select firm, bright green spears with tight, compact tips for the best flavor and texture.
- Trim Carefully: When removing woody ends, snap each spear individually rather than cutting with a knife to ensure you remove only the tough part.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: Ensure asparagus is completely dry before adding oil to help the prosciutto crisp up nicely.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between spears on the baking sheet to allow even roasting and crispy edges.
- Watch Cooking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain the asparagus's tender-crisp texture.
- Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed right out of the oven when the prosciutto is at its crispiest and the asparagus is hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
