Asparagus in Puff Pastry

Asparagus in puff pastry is a delicious and refined dish, ideal as an appetizer or for a buffet. Here is the recipe to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of asparagus (about 300-400 grams)
• 1 roll of rectangular puff pastry
• 100 grams of soft cheese (such as robiola, goat cheese, or other spreadable cheese)
• 50 grams of raw or cooked ham (optional)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Extra virgin olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Clean the asparagus by removing the harder end part of the stem. You can bend them slightly until they break naturally at the right point.
3. If you prefer softer asparagus, you can blanch them quickly in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, then immerse them in ice water to maintain a nice green color and stop the cooking.
4. Roll out the puff pastry on a work surface and, if desired, spread the cheese on top.
5. Cut the pastry into strips wide enough to wrap the asparagus. If you intend to use ham as well, you can place a slice on each strip of pastry.
6. Wrap each asparagus with a strip of pastry (and ham if used), leaving the tips uncovered.
7. Beat the egg with a pinch of salt and use it to brush the strips of pastry wrapped around the asparagus.
8. Arrange the asparagus on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brush them lightly with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter.
9. Bake and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Trivia

Asparagus are spring vegetables known for their delicate flavor and diuretic properties. When wrapped in pastry, the contrasting crunchy external texture and the tender internal one of the vegetable create a pleasant balance. This dish is perfect served with a glass of fresh white wine.