Are you looking for a quick and tasty snack that is both healthy and delicious? Look no further than this turkey-wrapped asparagus recipe. Combining the lean and low-carb goodness of turkey with the nutritional benefits of asparagus, this recipe is a perfect option for those who want to eat their vegetables in a more enjoyable way.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this nutritious and mouthwatering snack, providing you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way.
The Benefits of Turkey and Asparagus
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the nutritional benefits of the key ingredients: turkey and asparagus. Turkey is a lean meat that is low in fat and high in protein. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium. Asparagus, on the other hand, is a nutrient-packed vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and folate. It is known for its potential to lower blood pressure, aid in weight loss, and support healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Ingredients
To make this delicious turkey wrapped asparagus recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 ounces of Low-Sodium crispy Turkey bacon
- 8 Asparagus Spears
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Cumin
- Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making this tasty snack.
Step 1: Preparing the Asparagus
Start by preheating your oven to broiling temperatures or about 400°F. While the oven is heating up, wash the asparagus spears thoroughly and cut off the bottom stems. This will ensure that you are working with fresh and clean asparagus.
Step 2: Wrapping the Asparagus with Turkey
Take a slice of the low-sodium smoked turkey meat and wrap it around one of the trimmed asparagus spears. Season the wrapped asparagus with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Repeat this process for all the remaining asparagus spears.
Step 3: Cooking the Turkey Wrapped Asparagus
Next, take out a skillet and lightly coat it with some coconut oil. Set the stove to medium-high heat and allow the skillet to get hot. Once the skillet is nice and hot, drop in as many of the turkey wrapped asparagus spears as it can fit. Slowly “roll” them around until all sides have been lightly seared. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Repeat this process until you have cooked all the turkey wrapped asparagus spears.
Step 4: Finishing in the Oven
Place the seared turkey wrapped asparagus spears onto a clean baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Let them bake for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the asparagus is cooked through and tender while the turkey remains juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once the turkey wrapped asparagus spears are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as a snack or as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce or dressing. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in each bite!
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a crispier texture for your turkey wrapped asparagus, you can increase the cooking time in the oven by a few minutes.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to personalize the flavor of your turkey wrapped asparagus. Try adding smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or lemon zest for a unique twist.
- If you don’t have access to an oven, you can also cook the turkey wrapped asparagus on a grill or in an air fryer. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
