As a former picky eater, I can’t think of a better way to make strong tasting vegetables (like asparagus) more palatable than by wrapping them in bacon! Perhaps dousing them in cheese sauce works as well, but that’s a different topic altogether.
These asparagus spears aren’t wrapped in regular bacon but instead thin slices of smoked prosciutto, a type of Italian cured ham. From a health perspective it’s smart to limit the consumption of meat products, especially cured and non-lean meats, but I like prosciutto because it’s shaved paper thin. This means that each piece doesn’t pack a significant fat or calorie punch. It’s more of an accent, if anything.
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a great party appetizer, particularly in the spring when asparagus is in season. Be sure to choose spears that aren’t too thick, otherwise the asparagus won’t be tender enough after cooking.
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
A classic spring appetizer – young asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto and broiled until crisp on the outside, tender on the inside
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 20 spears), woody ends trimmed
- 10 thin slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat broiler. Wrap a prosciutto slice around each asparagus spear. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil, flipping once halfway through cooking, until asparagus is fork-tender and prosciutto is beginning to crisp, about 10 minutes total. Arrange on a serving plate and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes