Green oven-baked asparagus with rice paper bacon

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• ½ kg asparagus, green
• 100 g feta cheese or vegan feta substitute
• 4 tbsp, heaped pine nuts
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper
• 2 slice(s) rice paper, raw
• 6 tbsp, leveled yeast flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp liquid smoke

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 15 minutes; Total time approx. 35 minutes

vegetarian or vegan

Preheat the oven to 200°C (top/bottom heat). Wash the asparagus, pat dry, and snap off the ends. Brush a baking sheet or ovenproof dish with oil and arrange the asparagus in rows. Brush with olive oil. Slice the feta cheese and place it on top of the asparagus, exposing the tips and ends. Place the rice paper bacon on top. Place the asparagus in the oven on a medium heat for 12-15 minutes. If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, add the grill function for the last few minutes. Briefly dry-toast the pine nuts in a pan, taking care not to overbrown. Mix together 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make a vinaigrette, then add the still-warm asparagus. Pour the vinaigrette over the hot asparagus and serve; it also tastes delicious cold. Preparation of rice paper bacon: Place the nutritional yeast, olive oil, soy sauce, and liquid smoke in a small container and mix with a small whisk. Then add enough water until a relatively liquid consistency is achieved. Place the two sheets of rice paper on top of each other and cut into several strips. Briefly dip the strips in a pot of cold water. Carefully remove them and wipe off the excess water from top to bottom with two fingers. Make sure you place two layers on top of each other so the strips get really crispy. Now dip the strips in the prepared sauce on both sides and then immediately place them on the feta. Tips for further use of rice paper bacon: After marinating, place the strips in a hot pan and fry until crispy. Alternatively, place them on a baking tray and bake in the oven at approx. 200°C for approx. 7-10 minutes until a crispy brown skin forms. The bacon strips are perfect as a snack or as a delicious side dish, such as in a burger. They can also be used as a bacon substitute in a roast or for gratinating.