Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this elegant French recipe that will make your taste buds dance! White asparagus, often called the "royal vegetable," takes center stage in this decadent dish that combines delicate, tender spears with a rich, velvety ham-infused cream sauce. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking skills and transport you straight to the charming countryside of France.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound white asparagus
- 4 slices ham, chopped
- 1 cup cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the white asparagus by carefully washing them under cold running water. Trim off the tough woody ends by gently bending each spear until it naturally breaks at the point where the tender part meets the tough base.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a gentle boil. Carefully place the prepared white asparagus into the boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes until they are tender but still maintain a slight firmness when pierced with a fork.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare the ham sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped ham and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly crispy and releases its flavors.
- Pour the cream into the ham pan, stirring continuously. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Once the asparagus is cooked, carefully remove it from the boiling water using tongs and drain on a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the cooked white asparagus on a serving platter and generously pour the warm ham cream sauce over the top, ensuring each spear is well coated.
- Serve immediately while the asparagus is hot and the sauce is creamy, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm white asparagus with tightly closed tips for the best quality and flavor.
- Peel the lower two-thirds of each asparagus spear to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- Use a timer when boiling to prevent overcooking - white asparagus should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- For the smoothest sauce, use heavy cream and stir continuously to prevent separation.
- If possible, serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most flavorful moment.
- Experiment with different ham varieties like prosciutto or Black Forest ham for subtle flavor variations.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream without losing too much richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
