Asparagus With Ham, Eggs, and Garlic Crumbs 🍽️
History:
Asparagus with ham, eggs, and garlic crumbs is a delicious dish that combines the natural flavors of asparagus with the richness of ham, the creaminess of eggs, and the crunch of garlic-infused breadcrumbs. While there isn’t a specific historical record for this particular recipe, it draws from various culinary traditions, combining elements of French and Italian cuisine.
Components:
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Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears are the star of this dish. Choose firm, tender asparagus for the best results.
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Ham: Thinly sliced ham, such as prosciutto or Parma ham, adds a salty and savory element to the dish. It pairs wonderfully with asparagus.
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Eggs: You’ll need fresh eggs to make a creamy, runny yolk for the dish. Poached or soft-boiled eggs work best.
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Garlic Crumbs: The garlic crumbs add a crispy, flavorful texture. You’ll need fresh bread, garlic cloves, and some olive oil to make them.
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Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil is used to sauté the asparagus and make the garlic crumbs.
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Salt and Pepper: To season the dish.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Asparagus: Wash and trim the tough ends of the asparagus. You can blanch them in boiling salted water for a few minutes to ensure they’re tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
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Make Garlic Crumbs: In a food processor, pulse fresh bread and garlic cloves to make breadcrumbs. Heat some olive oil in a pan and toast the breadcrumbs until they’re golden and crispy. Season with salt and pepper. Set them aside.
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Poach or Soft-Boil the Eggs: Poach or soft-boil the eggs until the yolks are runny. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes for poached eggs and 6-7 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. Shock them in cold water and peel if soft-boiled.
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Cook the Ham: In a separate pan, briefly heat the thinly sliced ham to intensify its flavor. You don’t need to cook it for long; just a minute or two on each side is sufficient.
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Sauté the Asparagus: In a clean pan, heat some olive oil. Add the blanched asparagus and sauté them until they’re heated through and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
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Assemble the Dish: Arrange the sautéed asparagus on a plate. Place the warmed ham slices on top. Add the poached or soft-boiled eggs. Sprinkle the garlic crumbs over the eggs and asparagus.
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Serve: Your asparagus with ham, eggs, and garlic crumbs is ready to serve immediately. Enjoy!
Time Needed:
The time required to prepare this dish largely depends on your cooking skills. On average, it might take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete all the steps. However, with practice, you can reduce the preparation time. This delightful combination of flavors and textures makes for a memorable meal that’s perfect for brunch or a special dinner. 🍳🥖🌱
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asparagus With Ham, Eggs, and Garlic Crumbs:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams
- Sugars: 3-5 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 200-250 mg
- Sodium: 700-800 mg
- Vitamin A: 20-30% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 15-20% DV
- Vitamin D: 10-15% DV
- Calcium: 8-10% DV
- Iron: 10-15% DV
Health Information:
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Asparagus: Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K, and is a good source of dietary fiber. It also contains antioxidants and may support healthy digestion.
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Ham: Ham is a good source of protein but can be high in sodium and saturated fat. It’s best enjoyed in moderation, particularly if you’re watching your sodium intake.
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Eggs: Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline. They are often considered a nutritious food, but if you’re concerned about cholesterol, you may want to monitor your egg consumption.
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Garlic Crumbs: The garlic crumbs are generally a source of added calories and flavor. Garlic itself is associated with various potential health benefits, including antibacterial properties and potential heart health benefits.
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Olive Oil: The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish. It’s a better choice compared to some other cooking oils, as it may support heart health.
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Salt and Pepper: While salt and pepper add flavor, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure. It’s essential to use them in moderation.
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Vegetables and Balance: Asparagus and the combination of vegetables and protein in this dish make it a balanced meal. It’s a good way to incorporate vegetables into your diet while enjoying delicious flavors.
Remember that the exact nutrition values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use, as well as how you prepare the dish. If you have specific dietary requirements or health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized advice.