Now that asparagus is in season, the web is full of beautiful raw asparagus recipes and so trying one was overdue. In this recipe, crispy pancetta is scalded with white wine and orange juice, forming a hot dressing to pour over the raw, shaved, asparagus.
This recipe comes together in a snap. Give yourself 5-10 minutes to peel the asparagus and only a few minutes to make the dressing. This is best served warm, but is also nice cold.
Peeled Asparagus with Orange Zest and Pancetta
(serves 1)
Wash asparagus and dry. Break ends off asparagus to remove the woody part. Use a vegetable peeler to slice the asparagus lengthwise into long strips. It is easiest to do at the edge of a cutting board so you can get really flat. Place in a small bowl.
Heat a small skillet to medium and add oil and pancetta. Crisp until evenly brown, stirring regularly when browned add white wine and deglaze, turn heat up to medium-high. Simmer until reduced to one tablespoon. Quickly stir in orange zest and juice. Pour over asparagus and toss to combine.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
That looks really good! I don’t think I’ve ever had raw asparagus before, but I’d love to try it. I’m going to save this recipe till our local asparagus is ready
Heidi – Awesome! Yeah I hadn’t either.
I have not tried asparagus raw either but I will now!
Saw this on Tastespotting, it looks delicious! Totally gorgeous ode to Asparagus, I’ll totally have to give it a try
This looks goo-ood!! Love the idea of the hot dressing on raw veg.
miam ! looks awesome ! now I want some asparagus !!!!
What a great idea (without the pancetta) for my meatless monday, and will have to try the exact recipe for other days.
Thanks for sharing that.
Coucou – I love asparagus season!
Whisks and Chopsticks – I bet it would still be good without pancetta – you just have to find another strong flavour.