Introducing the delightful “Asparagus-Prosciutto Tart” – a culinary masterpiece perfect for those seeking a delectable vegetable-centric dish with a touch of elegance. This recipe, curated by Redbook, offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With a modest preparation time of just under an hour and a half, including both active and passive cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this culinary delight and uncover the secrets behind its tantalizing appeal.
Preparation:
Before embarking on this gastronomic journey, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. For this recipe, you’ll need:
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Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus
- 1/4 pound of savory prosciutto
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 8 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons of half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- Phyllo pastry sheets
- Butter
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Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling water
- Nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 10-inch pie plate
- Pastry brush
Now that we’ve assembled our ingredients and equipment let’s embark on our culinary journey.
Instructions:
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Prepare the Asparagus: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Then, trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the asparagus pieces for 2 minutes until they are bright green and tender. Drain them thoroughly and set aside.
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Crisp the Prosciutto: While the asparagus is cooking, it’s time to prepare the prosciutto. Slice the prosciutto into thin strips and heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto strips to the skillet and cook them until they become crispy, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Once crisp, remove the prosciutto from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté the Scallions: In the same skillet used for the prosciutto, add the finely chopped scallions and cook them in a drizzle of oil until they become softened and aromatic, approximately 2 minutes. Once cooked, remove the scallions from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched asparagus pieces, crispy prosciutto strips, sautéed scallions, lightly beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, half-and-half, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling mixture until you’re ready to assemble the tart.
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Assemble the Tart: Retrieve the chilled filling mixture from the refrigerator. Take the phyllo pastry sheets and carefully brush each sheet with melted butter. Overlap the buttered phyllo sheets in a 10-inch pie plate, ensuring that the bottom and sides are evenly covered. Once the pie plate is lined with phyllo pastry, pour the chilled filling mixture into the center, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake to Perfection: Gather the edges of the phyllo pastry and gently bunch them around the rim of the pie plate, creating a rustic and inviting crust. Place the assembled tart in the preheated oven and bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the phyllo pastry is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the asparagus-prosciutto tart from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This savory delight is best enjoyed warm, accompanied by a crisp green salad or your favorite side dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 279
- Fat Content: 16.8g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 306.1mg
- Sodium: 465.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.2g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Protein: 19.3g
Recipe Notes:
- To streamline the preparation process, consider following Redbook’s suggestion of dividing the preparation over multiple days. You can cook the asparagus one day, prepare the filling the next day, and work with the phyllo pastry on the final day, making it more manageable and convenient.
- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs or spices to the filling mixture, or even incorporate other vegetables for added flavor and variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave before serving.
With its crispy phyllo crust, creamy egg filling, and savory combination of asparagus and prosciutto, this Asparagus-Prosciutto Tart is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether served as a delightful luncheon centerpiece or a light dinner option, this recipe is guaranteed to elevate any mealtime occasion. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure that’s as satisfying to create as it is to savor.
