Green asparagus is a springtime delicacy that transforms into an extraordinary side dish when paired with crispy bacon and savory Parmesan. This simple yet elegant recipe showcases the best of seasonal ingredients with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
- 500g fresh green asparagus
- 70g bacon slices
- 50g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Olive oil for light brushing
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus:
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus
- Peel the bottom quarter of each spear
- Rinse and pat dry with paper towels
- Bacon Wrapping:
- Divide asparagus into two equal portions
- Carefully wrap half the asparagus spears with bacon slices
- Arrange wrapped and unwrapped asparagus on a baking sheet
- Seasoning and Baking:
- Sprinkle unwrapped asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese
- Season both bacon-wrapped and plain asparagus with salt and pepper
- Optionally, lightly brush with olive oil for extra flavor
- Baking:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (374°F)
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes
- Use traditional oven settings (top and bottom heat)
- Asparagus should be tender and bacon crispy
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (approximately):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight tips
- Use thin bacon for better wrapping
- Don’t overcook to maintain asparagus crispness
- Grate Parmesan fresh for maximum flavor
- Use a sharp knife for precise asparagus trimming
Possible Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Replace bacon with prosciutto or skip meat entirely
- Cheese Options: Try Pecorino or Grana Padano
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I select the best asparagus? Choose bright green, firm spears with tight, compact tips.
Q2: Can I prepare this dish in advance? Prepare up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
Q3: What’s the best way to store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
Q4: Can I use white asparagus? Yes, but cooking time might slightly vary.
Q5: Is this dish keto-friendly? Yes, it’s low-carb and fits most keto diets.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Best consumed fresh and warm
- Reheat briefly in oven to maintain crispiness
- Not recommended for freezing
Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated asparagus dish that brings together the richness of bacon and the delicate flavor of fresh green asparagus!