There’s something about the crisp snap of asparagus wrapped in the salty embrace of prosciutto that feels like springtime on a plate—even if it’s the middle of October. I stumbled upon this combo by accident; I was trying to clear out my fridge and boy, was it a happy mishap! Imagine the sizzle as it hits the pan, the aroma wafting through the kitchen like a call to dinner.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly coat the foil with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Trim the asparagus spears if needed, then wrap each spear with a slice of prosciutto. Start wrapping at the bottom and spiral upwards to cover the entire spear.
- Arrange the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove the sheet from the oven and gently shake it to roll the spears, ensuring even cooking. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve the asparagus immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 16 slices of prosciutto
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1020 | Total Fat: 88g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 204mg | Sodium: 4456mg | Total Carbohydrate: 12g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Protein: 52g | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 516mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare prosciutto-wrapped asparagus ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the asparagus and prosciutto wraps in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crisp.
- What can I do to ensure the asparagus is perfectly cooked?
- For even cooking, you can microwave or parboil the asparagus for a minute before wrapping them in prosciutto. This step ensures that the asparagus will be tender once baked.
- How can I add extra flavor to this dish?
- Consider spreading a layer of salmon cream cheese on the prosciutto before wrapping it around the asparagus. Additionally, a drizzle of black truffle oil after baking can elevate the flavor to a gourmet level.
- Is there an alternative cooking method to baking?
- Yes, you can grill the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on a stovetop griddle. Wrap the asparagus in prosciutto in bundles of three and cook them on the griddle, ensuring they are turned for even crisping.
- What should I ask for when buying prosciutto at the deli?
- Request that the prosciutto be sliced slightly thicker than the usual pre-sliced options. This will help it wrap better around the asparagus and provide a nice texture after cooking.
Tips
- Consider pre-microwaving the asparagus for about a minute to slightly soften them before wrapping, which can help ensure a more tender final texture.
- Ask the deli counter to slice your prosciutto slightly thicker than usual to achieve an ideal balance of flavors and textures.
- Enhance the dish by spreading a thin layer of salmon cream cheese on the prosciutto before wrapping the asparagus for an added flavor dimension.
- For an elevated culinary experience, lightly spray black truffle oil on the finished spears after baking, just before serving.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
