Imagine a dish that transforms humble asparagus into a culinary masterpiece, where delicate prosciutto hugs each tender spear and a zesty mint dressing elevates every single bite. This Italian-inspired appetizer is not just a recipe; it's a sensory experience that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany. Whether you're hosting an elegant dinner party or craving a sophisticated snack, these prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears promise to be the star of your meal, delivering a perfect balance of crispy, fresh, and utterly delectable flavors.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Asparagus spears
- Prosciutto slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears by gently bending each spear until it naturally breaks at its tender point.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure crisp wrapping.
- Prepare the mint dressing by finely chopping fresh mint leaves and combining them in a small bowl with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Take each prosciutto slice and gently stretch it slightly to increase its length and create a more even wrapping surface.
- Wrap each asparagus spear diagonally with a slice of prosciutto, ensuring the prosciutto covers most of the spear but leaves the tips exposed.
- Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears in the heated pan, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until the prosciutto becomes crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Remove the wrapped asparagus from heat and arrange on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the prepared mint dressing generously over the warm prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
- Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and serve immediately while still warm.
Tips
- Choose fresh, thin asparagus spears for the best texture and quick cooking
- Pat asparagus completely dry to ensure prosciutto adheres smoothly
- Gently stretch prosciutto slices to create a more elegant wrap
- Use medium-high heat to achieve crispy prosciutto without burning
- Don't overcook the asparagus - aim for tender-crisp texture
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain optimal crispiness
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh mint for the dressing
- Consider toasting pine nuts as an optional garnish for added crunch
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 185kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
