Bacon-wrapped asparagus: a side that looks like effort and is not

This is the dish to make when you want the table to feel like a celebration and you do not have the energy for one. 4 small bundles of asparagus, each wrapped in a strip of bacon, glazed and roasted until the bacon crisps. It is simple enough for a weeknight and pretty enough for a holiday plate.

Asparagus is a source of folate and vitamin K and carries prebiotic fiber that supports the gut bacteria involved in a calm, well-functioning gut lining. The glaze leans on coconut aminos for savory depth and a little honey for balance, kept modest since the sweetness here is more accent than centerpiece. This is a way to eat a vegetable you might otherwise skip, with enough flavor that you actually want it.

A pig gave the bacon. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus, lay the bundles out with a little care, and let the plate be beautiful.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 bundle asparagus, woody ends snapped off
• 4 slices bacon

The full ingredient list is AIP Core and seed-free as written. Use a bacon with no added sugar and no nightshade-derived spices for strict elimination.

Method

Heat the oven to 400 F and lightly grease a baking sheet.

In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, coconut aminos, honey, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Coat the asparagus spears in this glaze.

Divide the asparagus into four bundles. Wrap each bundle in a strip of bacon, using a toothpick to hold it if you need to.

Set the bundles on the baking sheet with space between them and bake about 20 minutes, until the bacon has crisped and the asparagus is tender.

Air fryer variation

If you would rather use the air fryer, set it to about 380 F and cook the bundles in a single layer for roughly 12 to 15 minutes, until the bacon crisps, turning once partway through. These times are estimated and untested, so watch the first batch and adjust.

*Adapted from a-clean-plate*