Prosciutto and Grilled Asparagus with Whole Grain Mustard

This lovely grilled asparagus dish is from Sunday Suppers at Lucques by Chef Suzanne Goin of Lucques Restaurant in Los Angeles. Lucques was recently listed in Los Angeles magazine’s Top 75 restaurants (April 2008), and has been featured in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine and Gourmet. I have particularly fond memories of Lucques. In the tender blush of my first pregnancy, I joined my soon-to-be husband’s family at Lucques to celebrate life, love and great things to come. My future sister-in-law selected the restaurant; She was eager to formally introduce us to the man who is now her husband, and Lucques provided service, food and atmosphere par excellence. If you are planning a visit to L.A., I insist you visit Lucques for an unforgettable meal. 8474 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, Calif. 323-655-6277

1 ¼ pounds asparagus, pencil thin variety
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons whole grain mustard
½ cup crème fraiche
12 slices prosciutto (di Parma or San Daniele)
½ lemon, for juicing
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Light the grill 30 to 40 minutes before you’re ready to cook. Snap the ends off the asparagus to remove the tough woody portion. Toss the asparagus on a baking sheet with the olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and some pepper. Stir the mustard and crème fraiche together in a small bowl and set aside. When the coals are broken down, red, and glowing, drape the prosciutto over a platter. Grill the asparagus 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly charred and tender. Arrange the asparagus on the prosciutto and drizzle the mustard crème fraiche over the top.

Food Fact! A member of the lily family (including garlic, onions, and leeks), asparagus is a powerhouse of nutrients. It's an excellent source of folic acid and phytonutrients, a significant source of vitamins C and A, and contains 3 grams of fiber per 3.5-ounce serving. Cultivated by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, there is a recipe for cooking asparagus in the oldest surviving book of recipes, Apicius’ third century AD De re coquinaria, Book III. Asparagus is low in calories, contains no fat or cholesterol, and is very low in sodium. Notorious for its diuretic properties, according to Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD, the speed of onset of infamous urine smell has been estimated to occur within only 15-30 minutes of ingestion!