Asparagus in Pouch

 Ingredients: asparagus - 10 pieces, spinach - 200 g, mayonnaise - 50 g, bread crumb - 5 slices, garlic powder, salt

To achieve a refined and flavorful appetizer, we will start by preparing the asparagus. We wash it well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, we cut off the woody ends, which can be tough, and boil it in a pot of salted water. We let the asparagus boil for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes slightly crisp but retains a vibrant color. After that, we remove it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain its texture.

Meanwhile, we will take care of the delicious spinach paste. In a blender, we add fresh spinach leaves, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and garlic powder, adjusting the amount of garlic according to everyone's preferences. We blend all the ingredients until we achieve a smooth, vibrant, and flavorful paste. This will add a fresh and slightly spicy note, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the asparagus.

Next, we turn our attention to the bread. We choose slices of bread, ideally homemade or ciabatta, which can be cut into square slices. We remove the crust from each slice, ensuring we are left with only the soft crumb. Using a rolling pin, we flatten each slice of bread, transforming them into a uniform and thin base. This will help achieve a crispy texture after baking.

On these flattened bread slices, we apply a thin layer of mayonnaise, which will add creaminess and contribute to even browning in the oven. We carefully place the boiled asparagus slices, making sure to distribute them evenly to add a touch of elegance and a contrast of textures.

Once we finish assembling the slices, we place them on a baking tray and put them in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. We leave them there until they become golden and crispy, a process that takes about 10-15 minutes. It is the perfect moment to enjoy the enticing aroma that fills the kitchen.

Once the slices are ready, we take them out of the oven and place them on a flat plate. It’s time to decorate with the spinach paste we prepared earlier. With a spatula or using a piping bag, we generously apply the paste, ensuring each slice of bread gets a good amount. This dish is not only tasty but also colorful, making it perfect to be served as an appetizer at a party or an elegant dinner. Enjoy every bite full of contrasting flavors and textures!

 Tags:  greenery garlic lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes