Are you looking for a delightful dish that combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with bold flavors? Look no further than Pesto and Prosciutto Asparagus. This recipe brings together the vibrant green of asparagus, the nutty richness of pesto, and the salty savoriness of prosciutto in a symphony of flavors. Served as an appetizer or a light main course, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and sophistication.
For the pesto lovers, this recipe features a classic basil pesto, made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The pesto adds a burst of herbaceousness and a creamy texture to the dish. If you prefer a more robust pesto, try using arugula or spinach instead of basil.
Asparagus takes center stage in this recipe. Choose fresh, vibrant asparagus spears for the best flavor and texture. Roasting the asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes the edges, creating a slightly smoky flavor.
Crispy prosciutto adds a salty, meaty element to the dish. Look for thinly sliced prosciutto that crisps up nicely in a hot oven. For a vegetarian variation, you can use roasted tomatoes or artichoke hearts instead of prosciutto.
These recipes offer a versatile and elegant dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer. With its vibrant flavors and textures, Pesto and Prosciutto Asparagus is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
LEMON-GARLIC-HERB CHICKEN WITH GRILLED PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED ASPARAGUS AND PESTO 3 BEAN SALAD
Steps:
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Fill a small skillet with about 1-inch water and bring to a boil. Grate the garlic onto acutting board and add a couple teaspoons salt, mash into paste with the flat of your knife. Add salt to boiling water and cook green beans 1 minute then drain and cool under cold running water then reserve. Reserve 1/5 of the pasted garlic, about 1 clove and add the rest to a shallow dish. To the garlic, add the lemon zest, fennel seed, chopped thyme, rosemary, parsley and about 1/4 to 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil and some black pepper. Stir with a fork to combine then add chicken pieces and coat evenly. Grill chicken 12 to 15 minutes until juices run clear. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Trim asparagus of tough ends. Add salt and the asparagus to the water and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove from the water and place into an ice water bath to cool. Once cooled, pat dry with paper towels, drizzle with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Divide the asparagus into 4 piles and roll 2 layered slices of prosciutto around each pile to form bundles. Grill 7 to 8 minutes until prosciutto is crisp and spears are tender. Place basil and mint leaves in a food processor with the nuts. Add some salt and pepper and turn processor on. Stream in about 1/4 to 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil to form a thick pasty sauce. Transfer the sauce to a bowl. Stir in the reserved garlic paste and the grated cheese. Add the cooled green beans and the canned beans to the bowl and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning. Remove chicken from the grill and squeeze the juice of 1 of the zested lemons down over the meat while still hot. Serve 1 piece each chicken breast and thigh with an asparagus bundle and some bean salad alongside.
SPINACH-RICOTTA PESTO PASTA WITH CRISP PROSCIUTTO AND ASPARAGUS
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. When it boils, add pasta and cook as indicated on box.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. When it shimmers, add prosciutto and cook, stirring occasionally, until prosciutto is crisp, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus and toss to coat evenly. Let cook until asparagus just starts to get browned on the edges, about 3 minutes.
- Remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add a few tablespoons of the water to the asparagus mixture, stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate browned bits, and remove from heat. Drain pasta and return to pot (off heat), add remaining reserved pasta cooking water, asparagus, Spinach-Ricotta Dip, and stir until thoroughly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired. Serve immediately.
- In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add pine nuts and cook until they make a popping noise and start to brown, about 1 minute. Stir in garlic and onion and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer onion mixture to a food processor fitted with a blade, add in remaining ingredients, and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, as necessary.
PESTO AND PROSCIUTTO ASPARAGUS
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the prosciutto slices in a single layer on the parchment, without touching. Bake until crispy and fragrant, flipping halfway through, 18 minutes. Cool completely on the tray, then remove to a plate.
- Preheat a grill pan to medium heat. Remove the parchment from the prosciutto tray and place the asparagus on the tray. Drizzle with the pesto, season with the salt, and toss well to coat. Place the asparagus on the hot grill pan and cook, turning once, until the asparagus has nice golden grill marks and is tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 6 minutes. Transfer the asparagus to a platter, crumble the prosciutto over the top, and break the Parmesan shavings over the prosciutto. Serve warm.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your dish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the asparagus. This will prevent it from cooking evenly.
- Cook the asparagus until it is tender but still has a slight crunch. Overcooked asparagus is mushy and unpleasant.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of pesto. There are many different recipes available, so you can find one that suits your taste.
- Serve the asparagus immediately after cooking. This will ensure that it is at its best.
Conclusion:
Pesto and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to enjoy fresh asparagus, and the pesto and prosciutto add a delicious flavor combination. This dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It is also a great way to use up leftover pesto.
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