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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.

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