It's a sure sign of Spring when recipes featuring asparagus start popping up on the food blogs. Both of the markets where I shop regularly are selling low-priced asparagus, so I've been having fun experimenting with it lately. I've seen recipes using asparagus paired with proscuitto or bacon, but to make it more South Beach Diet friendly I thought I'd try asparagus roasted with lean ham. The smoked and slightly browned ham paired wonderfully with the barely roasted asparagus, and this is something that would make a nice addition to a menu for Easter brunch or lunch. I made this twice, and it's definitely best with asparagus spears that are a bit thicker. Cut off the woody ends of the asparagus, making the pieces all the same size. I often buy ham that's sliced at the deli right when I get it, but for this recipe packaged ham (where the pieces are all the same size) will work best. This ham had less than 1 gram of fat per slice, making this dish very low in saturated fat. Roll a piece of ham around each asparagus spear, securing it with a toothpick. Spray the baking sheet with non-stick spray before you put the asparagus on. I staggered the pieces on the baking sheet so it wouldn't be too hard to turn them. Roast the spears 8-10 minutes on the first side, until the ham is barely starting to get browned. Then turn and roast 5-7 minutes more, until the asparagus is barely tender-crisp and the ham is lightly browned on both sides. Serve hot. Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Ham(One pound of asparagus will make about 20 asparagus spears, recipe created by Kalyn.)
Ingredients:
1 lb. thick asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed
1 lb. smoked lean ham (packaged ham that's cut into same-size pieces will work best)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400F/205C. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. (If you have two or more baking sheets, and room in the oven, you can cook all the wrapped asparagus at once.)
Trim the woody ends of asparagus spears, making all pieces the same size. Roll a piece of ham around each piece of asparagus, securing with a toothpick inserted horizontally so the piece of asparagus will lay flat on the baking sheet. Lay asparagus on the sprayed baking sheet, staggering the pieces so you'll be able to turn them.
Roast asparagus for 8-10 minutes on the first side, or until the ham is lightly browned. Turn asparagus pieces over and roast 5-7 minutes more on the second side, until asparagus is barely tender-crisp and ham is lightly browned on both sides.
Repeat with more asparagus pieces if you're only using one baking sheet. Serve hot, with mustard dipping sauce on the side if desired.
Roast asparagus for 8-10 minutes on the first side, or until the ham is lightly browned. Turn asparagus pieces over and roast 5-7 minutes more on the second side, until asparagus is barely tender-crisp and ham is lightly browned on both sides.
Repeat with more asparagus pieces if you're only using one baking sheet. Serve hot, with mustard dipping sauce on the side if desired.
South Beach Suggestions:
Made with lean ham, this is a perfect appetizer or light main dish for any phase of the South Beach Diet or any type of low-glycemic eating plan.
More Ideas with Roasted Asparagus:
(Recipes from other blogs may not always be South Beach Diet friendly; check ingredients.)
Roasted Asparagus with Garlic from Kalyn's Kitchen
Roasted Asparagus with Creamy Tahini-Peanut Dipping Sauce from Kalyn's Kitchen
Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms with Spike Seasoning from Kalyn's Kitchen
Roasted Asparagus with Manchego Cheese from The Perfect Pantry
Wasabi Roasted Asparagus from Fat Free Vegan Kitchen
Roasted Asparagus with Hazelnuts and Parmesan from Cook Local
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan from Nami Nami
(Want even more recipes? I find these recipes from other blogs using Food Blog Search.)
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