Are you ready to transform an ordinary vegetable into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece? Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible Italian-inspired dish that turns humble asparagus into a culinary sensation! With a perfect balance of crispy, salty prosciutto and a luxurious balsamic reduction, this recipe will have your dinner guests wondering if a professional chef secretly took over your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming the tough woody ends. To do this, gently bend each spear near the bottom - it will naturally snap at the point where the tender part meets the tough part.
- Lay the prosciutto slices flat on one side of the prepared baking sheet. They will crisp up while the asparagus roasts.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus on the other side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to ensure even coating.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the prosciutto and asparagus for about 10-12 minutes, until the prosciutto becomes crisp and the asparagus is tender but still bright green.
- While the asparagus is roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, pour the balsamic vinegar and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half and becomes slightly syrupy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. The prosciutto should be crisp and the asparagus should have slight caramelization on the edges.
- Crumble the crispy prosciutto and set aside. Arrange the roasted asparagus on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the reduced balsamic glaze over the asparagus, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sprinkle the crumbled crispy prosciutto over the top of the glazed asparagus.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing the crisp prosciutto and glossy balsamic glaze to complement the tender asparagus.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- When trimming asparagus, use the "snap method" - the asparagus will naturally break at the tender point.
- Watch the balsamic reduction carefully to prevent burning - it should become syrupy but not too thick.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a light sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or basil before serving.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the most robust and rich glaze.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve that perfect crispy prosciutto and slightly caramelized asparagus.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm, crispy prosciutto and tender asparagus.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
