Ingredients:
For the hollandaise sauce: 3 extra-large egg yolks, 2 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar, 150 g butter (in small cubes), a pinch of salt.
For the asparagus: 16-24 asparagus spears, 16-24 slices of Parma ham (in very thin slices), 1-2 tbsp olive oil, 60 g flaked almonds, a handful of micro herbs (for serving)
Method:
First, start the hollandaise sauce by bringing a small saucepan filled with about 5 cm of water slowly to the boil. In the meantime, place the egg yolks, lemon juice and salt in a slightly wider heatproof bowl (glass or stainless steel). Place the bowl over the boiling water, making sure that the bottom of the mixing bowl does not touch the boiling water. Immediately start whisking the egg mixture, beating steadily as the mixture heats up. When the mixture starts to thicken (after about 3 to 5 minutes), add a few pieces of butter and continue beating as it melts into the mixture. Keep adding more butter until all the butter is melted and incorporated and you have a thickened, custard-like sauce. If at any time, the mixture becomes too thick or threatens to burst, remove it from the heat and add more cold butter to bring the temperature down, then continue as above. Remove the mixture from the heat when ready and set aside until ready to use. (If necessary, add a tablespoon of boiling water just before serving to bring the mixture back to a pourable consistency).
Next, wrap each asparagus spear with a thin slice of Parma ham. Heat the olive oil in a wide frying pan and fry the prosciutto for a few minutes, turning, until golden brown. Place on a serving platter and top with hollandaise sauce, toasted almonds and micro herbs.
Our Wine recommendation:
With fresh notes of apples, pears and lychee, the well-balanced Spier Signature Collection Chenin Blanc 2021 convinces and proves to be an ideal white wine to accompany salads and fresh food. The Spier 21 Gables Sauvignon Blanc 2020 combines wonderfully with light asparagus dishes, as its rich texture and fresh finish, paired with lime flavours, skilfully round off the dish. Light-hearted and with a crisp finish, the Spier Signature Collection Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2021 is convincing and harmonises wonderfully with crispy grilled dishes.