Asparagus Fagottini (Asparagus Puff Pastry Parcels)
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 4
This delicious and visually appealing recipe for Asparagus Fagottini brings together tender asparagus with crispy puff pastry for a perfect starter or side dish. Infused with garlic, fresh chili, and a zesty lemon finish, these savory bundles will surely delight your taste buds. Paired with refreshing Greek yogurt, these puff pastry parcels are as delightful to eat as they are to serve!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | 350g |
| Puff Pastry (ready-made) | 1 sheet |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh Chili | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Asparagus:
- Start by aligning the asparagus spears in a neat row to ensure even cutting. Trim the ends and slice them into 20 cm-long sticks. Set aside.
-
Sauté the Asparagus:
- In a pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the garlic, peeled and finely chopped, along with the fresh chili, thinly sliced. Sauté them until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
- Add the asparagus sticks to the pan, stirring occasionally, and sauté them briefly until tender but still crisp (about 2-3 minutes).
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once the asparagus is ready, remove the garlic and discard it. Turn off the heat and add freshly grated lemon zest. Stir everything to combine, then set the asparagus aside to cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- While the asparagus is cooling, unroll the puff pastry sheet and cut it into four equal rectangles.
- Turn each rectangle into a diamond shape by rotating it slightly.
-
Assemble the Fagottini:
- Place five asparagus sticks in the center of each puff pastry diamond.
- Lightly whisk together egg yolk and a bit of cream to create a binding wash. Using a brush, dampen the right corner of the pastry diamond with this egg mixture.
- Fold the opposite corner over the asparagus, then seal the edges to form a neat parcel. Make sure the ends are securely pressed together to avoid any filling leakage.
- Repeat this process for the remaining three parcels.
-
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Place the assembled fagottini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of each parcel with more egg wash, and sprinkle with poppy seeds for a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the asparagus fagottini from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve with a generous dollop of refreshing Greek yogurt on the side to balance out the warm, savory flavors of the pastry.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
- If you don’t have puff pastry, you can substitute it with filo dough for a lighter texture.
Enjoy your crispy, savory asparagus fagottini with the refreshing touch of yogurt — a perfect appetizer for any occasion!
