Cranberry Beans And Asparagus With Parma Ham Crisps Recipes

Steps:

• .Preheat oven to 450*. Place ham slices on a baking sheet and cook in the oven until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and drain immediately on kitchen towels. While the ham is still warm, crumble ito a bowl. Set aside.
• Cut the tips from the asparagus and reserve the stalks for another use, such as soup. Boil a quart of salted water in a heavy pot. Drop in the asparagus tips and allow the water to return to a boil. Blanch the asparagus for 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, drain, then shick the asparagus in iced water. Drain and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over high heat. Add the onion and saute until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the bay leaf, salt, red pepper flakes, beans and stock and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the beans are tender, approximately 45 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat and drain. While the beans are still warm, add the asparagus and toss with vinaigrette.
• Divide the dressed cranberry beans and asparagus among 4 plates and top each portion with crumbled ham crisps. Serve immediately while salad is still warm or allow to marinate in the refridgerator. (Can be divided into six portions as an apetizer.).

Steps:

• Bring a pan of salted water to the boil, tip in the asparagus and cook for 2 mins until just tender. Drain well. Quarter each slice of ham, into 4 shorter strips, then wrap one around the middle of each asparagus spear. Mix the mayo with the lemon zest and juice and a little pepper and put in a small bowl. Serve with the asparagus, warm or cold, for dipping.