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.)
26 comments:
I love this....I'm gonna do it..
What an awesome appetizer! They look adorable too, thanks!
Thank you for posting this recipe. I love asparagus but I have never thought about roasting it with ham. I usually just steam it and then serve with some sauce. This roasted asparagus looks absolutely delicious. It looks like a great starter. I'll definitely give it a try.
Great appetizer!
Try using a sprinkling of parmesan on the ham before rolling it.
I have been making pickled asparagus and wrapping it in Spec (from Costco) for appetizers.
Hi Kalyn - just discovered your blog -- looks great!
The asparagus in this recipe is making me jealous. Here in the Northeast asparagus in the farmers markets is still about a month away. In the meantime I'll have some vicariously through your post. Yum!
Easy and quick! I bet this would be tasty with a honey-mustard sauce.
Asparagus is one of my fav. foods, it really goes well with ham/bacon. I'd bake some when they are in season.
I love it that other people are chiming in with more ways to adapt this recipe! Keep them coming.
Love this idea. We often have ham around more than prosciutti but that does taste good too.
Do I need to use fresh asparagus?
I don't think this recipe would be good with canned or frozen asparagus, since they're already cooked.
reminds me of my elvis asparagus... same recipe, just bacon instead of ham and I sprinkle brown sugar on em... Elvis would have loved em
One of the best things about spring is asparagus. We had some for dinner last night. I can never get enough. Great recipe.
I love, love LOVE roasted asparagus.
I know it's not as healthful, but I like to spread a little softened goat cheese and some thinly sliced fresh basil on top ot the ham before wrapping and grilling or roasting. It makes me shiver with delight just to think of them.
Yum, Kalyn! I made grilled prosciutto wrapped asparagus last week and blanched it before wrapping it. I would have like the prosciutto to have been sliced a little thinner for my taste. Next time I'm going to add a little spice, too.
I always send people your way when they want to know a simple way to get gluten-free. Good, simple, clean food is best.
The saltiness of the ham with the asparagus would make a great combination! I love this idea for a quick appetizer.
I just made asparagus for the first time this season, and of course, I overcooked it. By the time I get my technique back, the best pick of the season is usually over ...
It won't be long and we will be getting asparagus from the garden. I will give this recipe a try, it sounds great!
I've had asparagus wrapped in prociutto but not with ham! looks very tasty!
Gorgeous side dish/appetizer. Perfect for Spring!
Saw this pop up on FB. Thinking of Easter Dinner & our love for roasted asparagus knew this would be good. I will probably brush the asparagus with EVOO mixed with a touch of liquid smoke then cook on our gas grill. I know it will be a hit! Thanks for the great ideas!
Suann, I think this will be great on the grill!
I LOVE this Kalyn. Thanks for the idea. Since I don't do South Beach, I may wrap it in a tortilla with a little honey mustard. Yum!
Paula, that sounds good!
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