Colorado Asparagus Showing Up In Farmers Markets: Recipe

BROOMFIELD, CO -- Farmers’ markets are beginning to open, and an early season crop you’ll find is asparagus, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said. Colorado asparagus is also sold in local grocery stores.

Asparagus is low-calorie and a good source of vitamins A and C and high in folate.

Although many think of asparagus as a side dish, some Colorado chefs are including the veggie in other place, like on a pizza.

Chef Jason K. Morse, of Littleton-based 5280 Culinary, LLC suggests adding asparagus to goat cheese and prosciutto in this recipe from the Colo. Dept of Agriculture:

Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Pizza

Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., 5280 Culinary, LLC and Ace Hardware Grill Expert

8-10 oz. Pizza Dough, fresh or defrosted
1/4 Cup Pesto Sauce with Sun Dried Tomato
1/4 Cup Mozzarella/Parmesan Cheese Blend, shredded
4 slices Prosciutto, cut into 1/2” strips
6 spears Jumbo Asparagus, cut into tips and stalks (remove woody part)
1 Shallot, peeled and shaved thin
4-5 oz. Goat Cheese, crumbled
1 Roma Tomato, sliced
1 tsp. All Purpose Seasoning

Preheat oven to 450°. Allow the dough to soften at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes. Hand stretch the dough to a very thin crust and place onto a floured pizza pan. Top with pesto sauce, cheese blend, Prosciutto, asparagus, shallots, goat cheese, Roma tomatoes and seasoning to taste. Chef’s Tip: Building the pizza quickly will ensure the dough doesn’t get wet from the toppings and stick. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Enjoy with a glass of Colorado wine such as "Bubble Universe" Sparkling Albariño from Denver urban winery Infinite Monkey Theorem.

Visit www.coloradoproud.org for a complete list of recipes.

Image via Shutterstock