How to Prepare Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus for Appetizers

When it comes to simple yet delicious appetizers, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus ticks all the boxes. It’s a wonderful combination of the savory taste of prosciutto with the earthy flavor of asparagus, making it a favorite for many gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a casual get-together, or just looking for a fancy snack, this elegant appetizer is sure to impress. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to making this delectable dish.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything you need. This recipe is delightfully simple, and you only need a few ingredients:

• 1 lb (about 450g) of asparagus
• 6-8 slices of prosciutto
• Olive oil
• Black pepper
• Optional: Shaved Parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze for garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus

The first step is to get your asparagus ready. Wash the spears under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Asparagus stems have a tough, woody end that isn’t pleasant to eat, so you’ll want to remove that. The easiest way is simply to bend the asparagus spear near the bottom; it will naturally snap at the right point. Discard the woody ends.

Step 2: Blanch the Asparagus

This step is optional, but blanching asparagus can help retain a vibrant green color and make it a bit tender. To blanch them, fill a pot with water, add a little salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the asparagus and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. Then, quickly move them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and pat them dry.

Step 3: Wrap the Asparagus

Now, take a slice of prosciutto and cut it in half lengthwise. Place an asparagus spear at one end of your prosciutto strip and start wrapping it spirally towards the other end. The prosciutto should cling to the asparagus snugly. Repeat this process with all the asparagus spears.

Step 4: Cook the Asparagus

There are a couple of ways to cook your prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. You can either bake or grill them. Both methods work well; it just depends on your preference or what you’re comfortable with.

To Bake:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Arrange the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and season with black pepper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crisp.

To Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the wrapped asparagus on the grill, turning occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes or until the asparagus is tender, and the prosciutto is nicely charred.

Step 5: Serving

Arrange your cooked prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on a serving platter. If you want to add an extra touch of flavor, you can shave some Parmesan cheese over the top and drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze. These additional garnishes can elevate the dish, adding a nice depth of flavor and a little acidity to balance the savory prosciutto and earthy asparagus.

Conclusion

And there you have it, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus ready to be enjoyed as an elegant appetizer. This dish is not only delicious but also presents beautifully, making it perfect for impressing your guests at any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create an appetizer that’s both sophisticated and satisfying. The best part? It’s so easy to make yet looks like you’ve put in a tremendous amount of effort. Give it a try for your next dinner party or when you’re feeling a bit fancy at snack time. Bon Appétit!