Skip to main content

Asparagus with Country-Ham-and-Egg Gravy

Spring is a short-lived but well-loved season in the Mississippi Delta. All is verdant and lush with the scent of fresh-tilled earth in the air. When spears of asparagus are combined with farm-fresh eggs, to me, it all signals spring. I particularly enjoy this dish for breakfast with sourdough bread for sopping up the luxuriant, velvety cream sauce.

Cooks' Note

This is one I seem to serve that Monday after Easter Sunday, when these ingredients are hanging around and the dish can be made with leftovers.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1/2 cup diced country ham
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Chopped fresh dill or chive blossoms, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2 minutes and drain.

    Step 2

    In a medium saucepan set over low heat, cook the ham in the butter for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the ham and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Raise the heat to medium and slowly add the milk while stirring constantly. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and begins to bubble. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped egg, salt, and pepper.

    Step 3

    Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter and spoon the ham-and-egg sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh dill.

A Southerly Course
Read More
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.