Thursday, June 14, 2012

Proscuitto-wrapped asparagus with balsamic reduction

This savoury variation on melon-and-prosciutto is very easy to prepare, looks elegant and makes a great appetizer. The saltiness of the prosciutto pairs nicely with fresh, tender-crisp asparagus.

To prepare asparagus:
Start with a bunch of asparagus. Snap off the fibrous bottom part of the stem (which can be kept for flavouring soups), then steam until tender-crisp. Cut pieces of Italian prosciutto in half lengthwise. You'll need one for every two asparagus. Tightly wrap the prosciutto slices around pairs of asparagus.

To prepare dipping sauce:
 In a small saucepan, reduce 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar over medium heat until slightly syrupy. Remember it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Alternatively, use an aged balsamic vinegar and skip the reduction step. Whisk in 1 tsp Dijon mustard and add pepper to taste. Serve as a dipping sauce beside the asparagus, or pour sauce into a squeeze bottle and drizzle over asparagus.

11 comments:

  1. yumm!! Will try this. I also like your plate

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  2. Oh yummy! I love asparagus and proscuitto! I should definitely try this :) xx

    www.almostdelightful.com

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  3. thanks for the recipe!!! this looks delicious! :)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  4. asecondglanceblog18 June 2012 at 05:01

    You're welcome! If you do be sure to let me know what you think!

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  5. balsamic vinegar with mustard dipping sauce is so delicious! we used it with corn or zucchini fritters, in the past. i'm sure this combination with the asparagus is divine.

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  6. its not just the food that you make look so tempting but its your presentation! I love the white plate with the divider :)

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  7. Mmmmm, I love this dish! I had this at a country-club ball we managed to get invited to!

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  8. asecondglanceblog18 June 2012 at 22:02

    It can be dressed up OR down!

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  9. asecondglanceblog18 June 2012 at 22:03

    Good ideas! I'll have to try those combinations!

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  10. Yum! Thanks for sharing this recipe! I usually just grill/ bake asparagus, but this sounds tasty! and who could say no to proscuitto?

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  11. Looks so stylish. Thanks for adding it to Food on Friday: Asparagus

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I genuinely enjoy reading everyone's comments. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!