Hello, foodies. Austin Carter is here from Beyond the Bayou Blog who serve you perfection from all over the world. What better way to serve yourself than some delicious pancetta-wrapped asparagus with hollandaise sauce! So good and such a great side!
This recipe has been on my mind for quite some time. Debating back and forth if I should use bacon or pancetta? Keep it simple and just do salt and pepper? Well, I decided on pancetta. Mainly because I did not want the added smokiness to overpower anything. I went for herbs de Provence because I love the blend of herbs that add an amazing aroma. The lavender adds a nice mild floral note that pairs wonderfully.
Serve this dish with your favorite sauce and make yourself feel in heaven. So just grab your apron, gather all the ingredients, and get set to go with today’s recipe for your upcoming Easter party.
What Is Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus?
Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus is a tasty treat where tender asparagus spears are lovingly hugged by slices of savory pancetta. Crispy, flavorful bacon embracing the fresh, earthy taste of asparagus. It’s like a gourmet hug for your taste buds! This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether as a fancy appetizer or a special side dish. Its delightful combination of textures and flavors makes it a hit at gatherings and adds a touch of elegance to any meal. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the natural goodness of asparagus with a hint of indulgence.”
Savory Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus recipe
Equipment
- Pot for boiling water
- Bowl for ice water
- Baking rack
- Bowl and pot for double boiling
- Towel or secure surface for placing the bowl during whisking
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of asparagus do not use the extra big ones.
- 2 teaspoons herbs de Provence
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 5-6 slices of pancetta
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of warm water may need more to thin out the sauce
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup clarified butter
- a few dashes of hot sauce use your favorite!
- a pinch of creole seasoning
- a pinch of cayenne pepper
- salt to taste
- extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Blanch asparagus in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, then chill in ice water.
- Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, herbs de Provence, and salt, then wrap with pancetta slices.
- Bake wrapped asparagus for 20-25 minutes until pancetta is crispy.
- Double boil lemon juice, water, and egg yolks until thickened.
- Slowly whisk in warm clarified butter until emulsified.
- Season sauce with hot sauce, creole seasoning, cayenne, and salt to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Possible Variations and Substitutions!
- Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian version, skip the pancetta and instead use thin slices of smoked tofu or marinated portobello mushrooms to wrap the asparagus. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have herbs de Provence, you can use a combination of dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and savory for a similar aromatic profile.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces to accompany the asparagus. Try a tangy mustard vinaigrette, a creamy hollandaise sauce, or a balsamic glaze drizzle for added depth of flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness according to your preference. Increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your taste buds.
- Butter Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of clarified butter for the sauce. It will still add richness without the dairy.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients, including the hot sauce and seasoning blends, are gluten-free if you need to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
- Grilled Variation: Instead of baking, you can grill the wrapped asparagus on a preheated grill for a smoky charred flavor.
What to Serve with Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus?
