Asparagus with ham
Asparagus with ham is a springtime favourite that never gets old. The delicate asparagus meets the saltiness of the ham, all wrapped up with a generous drizzle of hollandaise sauce. Soft, buttery potatoes on the side complete the plate. This recipe fits any occasion, from a relaxed weekend meal, an outdoor gathering with friends, to a busy weeknight dinner with family.
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Ingredients
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White asparagus
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2 kilos |
|---|---|
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Sugar
|
1 pinch |
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Potatoes
|
800 g |
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Salt
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1 pinch |
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Cooked ham
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200 g |
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Small bunch chives, finely chopped
|
1 |
Hollandaise sauce
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Butter
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250 g |
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Egg yolks
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4 |
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Dash lemon juice
|
1 |
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Water
|
100 ml |
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Salt
|
|
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White pepper
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Instructions
Hollandaise sauce
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Choose fresh white asparagus
When selecting asparagus, opt for firm spears with smooth, pale skin and tightly closed tips. They should feel slightly moist but not wet, with no cracks or shrivelling. Avoid spears that look dry, limp, or have a strong odour.
Peel and trim the asparagus
Peeling and trimming get rid of the tough and bitter outer skin. Cut off the woody ends, about 2.5–5 cm from the bottom. Hold the asparagus firmly and use a vegetable peeler to peel from just below the tip to the base. Rotate the spear while peeling, making several passes to remove all the tough outer layers.
Prevent the hollandaise sauce from curdling or splitting
Controlling the heat is crucial to get a smooth hollandaise sauce. Cooking it over direct high heat can cause the eggs to scramble or the sauce to split. Use a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water to maintain a steady, gentle heat. Whisk constantly while gradually adding melted butter, making sure it emulsifies properly. If the sauce thickens too much, add a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as this can cause separation.
FAQ: Questions about asparagus with ham
Below, you will find answers to common questions that will help you prepare white asparagus with ham. Keep reading to learn more.
How to store asparagus with ham?
To store asparagus with ham, keep each component separate for the best texture and flavour. Unpeeled white asparagus stays fresh for 4 days in the fridge when wrapped in a damp kitchen towel. Cooked asparagus should be kept in an airtight container with a little cooking liquid and used within 2 days. Ham and cooked potatoes should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Hollandaise sauce is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a day.
How long does asparagus need to cook?
White asparagus takes about 10 minutes to cook when boiled. The exact time depends on the thickness of the spears, but the texture should be tender when pierced with a knife or fork. Properly cooked asparagus will be soft but still hold its shape. If it feels too firm, let it cook for another minute and check again.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
3163 Kcal
| Fibre | 67 gram fibers |
| Protein | 104.2 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 175 gram |
| Fat | 229.4 gram |
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Fresh asparagus with cooked ham
White asparagus and cooked ham form the perfect duet to create a meal that sings with flavour. The asparagus is tender, sweet, and juicy, while the ham is savoury, salty, and firm. The contrast between the delicate spears and the bold, meaty ham is what makes this duo so good.
We look forward to it every asparagus season, and once you taste it, you will understand why these two go hand in hand.
Serve with tender potatoes and homemade hollandaise sauce
Potatoes and hollandaise know exactly how to make a meal shine. The potatoes are rustic, hearty, and comforting, while the hollandaise is smooth, buttery, and full of finesse. One keeps things grounded, the other brings a bit of elegance. While the sauce is meant for the asparagus, some of it will inevitably end up on the potatoes. And really, that is not a bad thing.
A simple and quick recipe for everyday meals
Potatoes, meat, vegetables, and sauce are a staple of the classic family dinner. It is simple, quick to prepare, and perfect for any day of the week.
The potatoes go in first, followed by the asparagus a few minutes later. While they cook, there is plenty of time to whisk up the hollandaise and get the ham ready. By the time everything is on the plate, you have a meal that gets everyone excited, from kids and adults to anyone who appreciates good food.
Asparagus with ham is just one way to enjoy this seasonal favourite. If your family loves asparagus as much as we do, there is plenty more to dig into. Think creamy asparagus lasagne, a golden, bubbling asparagus potato casserole, or even an asparagus pizza for a fun twist.
Shake things up
White asparagus with ham might be a classic, but who says you must stick to the rules? If you want to swap the ham for something different, try Serrano or prosciutto for a deeper, slightly nutty saltiness, or go for thinly sliced roast beef for a more robust flavour.
The hollandaise can also get a little upgrade. A pinch of cayenne adds gentle heat or a bit of mustard gives it a sharper kick. Even the potatoes can change things up. Try them roasted for a crispier bite or mashed with butter for a creamier, richer side.
