Asparagus Rolls

Asparagus rolls are a delicious appetizer or side dish, simple to prepare and very elegant. Here’s a recipe with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

• Fresh asparagus (quantity of your choice)
• Slices of raw ham (one for each asparagus)
• Grated Parmigiano cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Preparation

1. First of all, clean the asparagus by removing the tougher end of the stem. You can bend them until they naturally snap off at the point where the stem becomes tender.
2. Boil the asparagus in salted boiling water for about 3-5 minutes depending on thickness. They should soften slightly but still remain crunchy.
3. Drain them and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain a bright green color.
4. Once cooled, dry the asparagus with kitchen paper.
5. Wrap each asparagus in a slice of raw ham, leaving the tip exposed.
6. Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmigiano cheese.
7. Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 200 °C (392 °F) for about 5-7 minutes or until the ham becomes crispy and the cheese melts slightly.
8. Remove the rolls from the oven and, if desired, season with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper and a few drops of lemon juice for a refreshing touch.

You can serve the asparagus rolls as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course.

Curiosity

Asparagus has been known since ancient Roman times and is valued not only for its delicate flavor but also for its beneficial properties. It has a high content of vitamins and minerals and is a source of fiber. Moreover, the combination of asparagus and ham is a classic of Italian cuisine, enhancing the sweet taste and crunchiness of the asparagus with the savory flavor of the ham.