This recipe presents a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. With the robust and salty pancetta harmonizing with the subtly sweet and tender asparagus, this dish serves as an elegant appetizer or side dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare. Crisp pancetta enhances the succulence of the asparagus, creating a culinary symphony in every bite.
The key ingredients for this recipe, pancetta and asparagus, can be found in most supermarkets. Pancetta, an Italian style of cured meat, is similar to bacon but offers a more sophisticated flavor profile due to its seasoning with various spices and herbs. If unavailable, substitute with prosciutto or regular bacon. Choose asparagus that are firm with bright green or violet tinged spears and closed, compact tips.
Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus Ingredients
Asparagus: Asparagus is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. It adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian style of bacon that's cured but not smoked. It adds a savory and rich flavor to the dish.
Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is used for sautéing the pancetta-wrapped asparagus, adding a light crispness to the pancetta.
One reader, Anders Wadsworth says:
This pancetta-wrapped asparagus recipe is a game-changer! The savory pancetta perfectly complements the tender asparagus, creating a mouthwatering dish. It's easy to make and always impresses my guests. A must-try for anyone who loves delicious and elegant appetizers.
Techniques Required
How to wrap asparagus with pancetta: Wrap a slice of pancetta tightly around each asparagus spear, ensuring it is fully covered.
How to cook pancetta-wrapped asparagus: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and coat lightly with vegetable oil. Cook the asparagus, turning as each side browns, until they are just tender and the pancetta is crisp, about 5 minutes.
How to drain excess grease: Transfer the cooked asparagus to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease before serving.
How To Make Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus
Level up your dinner meals with a side of this savory pancetta wrapped asparagus; a crisp and light dish that’s easily made with just 3 ingredients!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1bunchthick asparagus,trimmed
- 15slicespancetta
- vegetable oil
Instructions
-
Wrap a slice of pancetta tightly around each asparagus spear. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
-
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and coat lightly with vegetable oil. Cook the asparagus for about 5 minutes, turning as each side browns, until they are just tender and the pancetta is crisp.
-
Transfer the asparagus to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease, then transfer to a serving platter.
-
Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 484.69kcal
- Fat: 45.48g
- Saturated Fat: 14.63g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 20.58g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.43g
- Carbohydrates: 3.59g
- Fiber: 1.19g
- Sugar: 2.15g
- Protein: 14.97g
- Cholesterol: 71.78mg
- Sodium: 721.06mg
- Calcium: 19.03mg
- Potassium: 329.71mg
- Iron: 1.66mg
- Vitamin A: 33.48µg
- Vitamin C: 3.17mg
How To Make Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1bunchthick asparagus,trimmed
- 15slicespancetta
- Vegetable Oil
Instructions
-
Wrap a slice of pancetta tightly around each asparagus spear. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
-
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and coat lightly with vegetable oil (the more oil you use, the crispier the pancetta will be — just be careful not to use too much or it will splatter). Cook the asparagus, turning as each side browns, until they are just tender and the pancetta is crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer the asparagus to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease, then transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 539.09kcal
- Fat: 47.99g
- Saturated Fat: 14.85g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 22.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.91g
- Carbohydrates: 10.18g
- Fiber: 4.76g
- Sugar: 5.35g
- Protein: 18.71g
- Cholesterol: 71.78mg
- Sodium: 724.46mg
- Calcium: 59.80mg
- Potassium: 672.86mg
- Iron: 5.29mg
- Vitamin A: 98.03µg
- Vitamin C: 12.68mg
Technique Tip for Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
When wrapping the asparagus with pancetta, ensure that the pancetta is wrapped tightly and evenly. This will not only help the pancetta stay in place during cooking, but also ensure that every bite of asparagus comes with a bit of crispy pancetta. Additionally, when cooking the wrapped asparagus, turn them frequently for even browning and to prevent the pancetta from burning. Remember, the goal is to achieve a balance between the crispiness of the pancetta and the tenderness of the asparagus.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus
Prep ahead: Prepare the pancetta-wrapped asparagus ahead of time by wrapping the asparagus with pancetta and refrigerating until ready to cook. This will save you time when you're ready to cook.
High heat: Use a large sauté pan and cook the asparagus over medium heat. This will help the pancetta crisp up quickly and evenly, saving you time in the cooking process.
Quick transfer: Once the asparagus is cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease. This quick transfer will help them stay crispy and ready to serve.
Efficient plating: Transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving platter immediately after draining on paper towels. This will save time and ensure the dish is served hot and fresh.
Substitute Ingredients For Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
- pancetta – Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is a cured Italian ham that can be sliced thinly and used to wrap the asparagus, providing a similar salty and savory flavor.
- asparagus – Substitute with green beans: Green beans can be used as a substitute for asparagus in this recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor when wrapped in pancetta.
Presentation Ideas for Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus
-
Elevate the asparagus: Arrange the pancetta-wrapped asparagus in a crisscross pattern on a sleek, white rectangular plate to create an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
-
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce a pop of color by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley, adding a vibrant touch to the overall presentation.
-
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some negative space on the plate, highlighting the beauty of the pancetta-wrapped asparagus and creating a sophisticated and refined presentation.
-
Add a touch of sophistication with a drizzle: Enhance the dish by delicately drizzling a balsamic reduction in a zigzag pattern over the pancetta-wrapped asparagus, adding a touch of complexity and depth to the overall flavor profile.
-
Incorporate height: Create visual interest by stacking the pancetta-wrapped asparagus in a vertical arrangement, adding height to the presentation and showcasing the dish's components in an innovative manner.
-
Embrace symmetry: Arrange the pancetta-wrapped asparagus in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, creating a sense of balance and harmony that appeals to the eye and demonstrates precision in plating.
-
Highlight the asparagus: Place a single, vibrant asparagus spear on top of the stack to draw attention to the star ingredient, showcasing its freshness and quality.
-
Use edible flowers for a touch of elegance: Introduce delicate, edible flowers such as microgreens or nasturtium blossoms to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation, elevating the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
-
Large sauté pan: A wide, shallow pan with straight sides and a large surface area, perfect for cooking the pancetta-wrapped asparagus evenly.
-
Tongs: Used for turning the asparagus spears while cooking and ensuring they brown evenly.
How To Reheat Leftovers
-
To reheat leftover pancetta-wrapped asparagus, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the pancetta is crispy and the asparagus is heated through. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the pancetta while gently reheating the asparagus.
-
Alternatively, you can reheat the pancetta-wrapped asparagus in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan to prevent sticking and to help crisp up the pancetta. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the asparagus is heated through and the pancetta is crispy. This method is quicker than the oven and allows you to monitor the crispiness of the pancetta more closely.
-
For a quick and easy reheating option, use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the pancetta-wrapped asparagus in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the asparagus is heated through and the pancetta is crispy. This method is fast and helps to maintain the texture of both the pancetta and the asparagus.
-
If you prefer a softer texture for your pancetta, you can reheat the asparagus in the microwave. Place the pancetta-wrapped asparagus on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Keep in mind that this method may result in a less crispy texture for the pancetta, but it is the quickest option for reheating.
Random Fact about Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus
The pancetta-wrapped asparagus recipe is a delightful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. The combination of crispy pancetta and tender asparagus creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a simple yet elegant dish that can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. The pancetta adds a savory and salty element to the dish, complementing the natural sweetness of the asparagus. This recipe is a great option for entertaining or for a special dinner at home. Plus, it's quick and easy to prepare, making it a convenient choice for busy days.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This pancetta-wrapped asparagus recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The asparagus and pancetta are relatively affordable, and the dish can be a delightful addition to a meal. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15, making it a reasonable choice for a flavorful and visually appealing side dish.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pancetta-wrapped asparagus recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- High in saturated fat: Pancetta is a type of Italian bacon that is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Sodium content: Pancetta is also high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- Cooking method: The recipe calls for cooking the asparagus in oil, which can add extra calories and fat to the dish.
However, there are some positive aspects to this recipe:
- Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- The portion size is relatively small, which can help with portion control.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a leaner alternative to pancetta, such as prosciutto or turkey bacon, which are lower in fat and calories.
- Reduce the amount of oil used in cooking, or use a healthier oil like olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Grill or roast the asparagus instead of sautéing it in oil to reduce the added fat.
- Pair the dish with a healthy side, such as a fresh salad or quinoa, to balance out the meal.
- Use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of relying solely on the saltiness of the pancetta.
Editor's Opinion on This Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
The pancetta-wrapped asparagus recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The saltiness of the pancetta complements the earthy sweetness of the asparagus, creating a harmonious balance. The crispiness of the pancetta adds a satisfying crunch to each bite, while the asparagus remains tender and flavorful. This dish is a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion, and its simple preparation makes it a great addition to any menu.
Enhance Your Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus
Pairing Suggestions: Main Courses and Desserts
Why trust this Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus Recipe:
This pancetta-wrapped asparagus recipe is a delightful combination of savory pancetta and fresh asparagus. The pancetta adds a rich, smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch, while the asparagus retains its natural tenderness. This recipe's simplicity allows the flavors of the pancetta and asparagus to shine through, making it a perfect choice for both casual meals and special occasions. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking process to deliver a dish that will impress your taste buds and your guests.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
