Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This asparagus with ham recipe is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated addition to your weekend brunch. It's a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the best of spring asparagus and the salty goodness of ham. This healthy meal is ready in under 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy cooks looking for delicious and easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 4 ounces ham, diced (prosciutto, or country ham work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Asparagus: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. You can easily do this by bending the asparagus until it naturally breaks at the point where it becomes tender.
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Sauté the Ham and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Cook the Asparagus: Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's tender-crisp. You want the asparagus to retain a bit of its vibrant green color and a slight bite.
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Add Flavor: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately as a delicious side dish. This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple pasta dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't Overcook the Asparagus: Overcooked asparagus becomes mushy and loses its flavor. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Use High-Quality Ham: The flavor of the ham significantly impacts the overall taste of the dish. Consider using a flavorful ham like prosciutto for a more sophisticated touch.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and lemon juice according to your preference.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
Variations:
- Creamy Asparagus with Ham: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier dish.
- Asparagus with Ham and Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus before serving for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Lemon-Herb Asparagus with Ham: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme or oregano along with the garlic for a more aromatic dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 5-8g
This simple asparagus with ham recipe is a testament to how quickly you can elevate a simple side dish into something truly special. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – quick, easy, healthy and unbelievably delicious. Enjoy!