asparagus Ham Gratin12 asparagus spears
6 slices roast ham,
halved 3 tbsp butter
1/3 cup plain flour
450 ml milk
2 tsp mustard
75 g cheese,
grated freshly grated nutmeg
25 g freshly grated parmesan cheese
7 tbsp fresh fine white breadcrumbs
salt and black pepper

 

Preheat oven to 190C.

Trim the woody ends from the asparagus, then place the spears in a large frying pan with about 2,5cm boiling water.

Cover the pan and cook for 4 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

Wrap a slice of roast ham around each asparagus spear and arrange in a shallow buttered ovenproof dish.

Melt the butter in a pan. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Gradually add milk, then bring to boil, stirring to give a smooth sauce.

Stir in the mustard, cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste.

Pour the sauce over the asparagus.

Mix the Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs, and sprinkle evenly over the top.

Bake for about 20 minutes, until browned on top and bubbling.