Bacon Wrapped Caramelized Sesame Asparagus

Bacon Wrapped Caramelized Sesame Asparagus.

April 3, 2012

I hate to say it, but these little green stems are growing on me.

Ugh.

I mean, they’ve always been one of the vegetables that I can handle in small doses – mostly because by the time I’ve had enough (not even being able to look at them?), they’re out of season. At least around here. It’s a short ride baby.

But I unlocked the asparagus key this season. It’s no secret that the fingerful of veggies I DO like have to be roasted – and I mean ROASTED – for me to eat them. To the point of like, death. Charred to a crisp I tell you. And I’m fairly certain that I’ve roasted asparagus before, but maybe I just didn’t do it long enough? Or just didn’t cover it in enough sea salt? Or just didn’t shave my parmesan into big enough chunks? Hmmmm.

Oh wait. I know what I didn’t do. I didn’t allow it to be blanketed in a waterfall of gooey egg yolk. THAT’S THE SECRET. That’s why I ended up eating asparagus for breakfast. This asparagus – wrapped in bacon – for breakfast people. It has bacon, so… duh. It’s totally breakfast worthy.

This is a perfectly portioned Spring side dish, but FYI: eating it at 7AM with a poached egg on top is what the cool people do. I might have made it four times already. Kinda sorta maybe.

My asparagus alone? Plain little green sticks? They still have to be roasted to the high heavens. The stems get slightly golden and the flowery tips get crispy. They actually crunch in your mouth. I’m not saying I look forward to it… buuuuuut it’s gettin’ easier to choke down. Winnnnning.

Bacon Wrapped Caramelized Sesame Asparagus

[adapted from green bean bacon bundles]

serves 4, is easily multiplied

1 bunch of asparagus, about 20-25 spears, stems removed

4 slices thick-cut bacon

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar

1 garlic clove, minced or pressed

1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, whisk together oils, brown sugar and garlic. Set aside.

Bunch together 5-6 asparagus spears and tightly wrap a piece of bacon around the bundle. Place on the wire rack seam-side down and repeat. Using a pastry brush, a spoon or even your hands (I did this…), brush the spears thoroughly with the oil/sugar mixture. Give each bundle a hefty sprinkle of sesame seeds. Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Serve warm.