Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Image: Baked asparagus wrapped in thin sliced cured meat on a baking tray garnished with lemon zest.

Description: The flavor combination of the salty prosciutto wrapped around the asparagus baked together with garlic and lemon make for the perfect summer appetizer to any meal!

Yield: Recipe make 6-8 clusters of wrapped asparagus.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound asparagus spears

• 4 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto

• 3 cloves garlic, grated

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice + Zest of 1 lemon

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flake, or to taste

• Garnish: Lemon Zest, Olive Oil

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Trim the tough and fibrous bottoms off of the asparagus spears with a sharp knife. Rinse the asparagus and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, grated garlic, red pepper flake, and lemon juice.

Place the asparagus spears on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, and drizzle with the olive oil mixture. Toss well to coat.

Carefully wrap bunches of 4-5 spears each with a slice of prosciutto, and place back on parchment paper. Roll each bundle around in the olive oil mixture remaining on the parchment paper.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until the asparagus are firm but tender.

Sprinkle over the lemon zest and drizzle a bit of fresh olive oil over the top. Enjoy!