White asparagus with ham and cheese from the oven

What goes in

• 500 g white asparagus
• 300 g potatoes
• 30 g butter (for mashed potatoes)
• 50 ml milk (for mashed potatoes)
• 4 slices cooked ham
• 30 g butter (for cheese sauce)
• 30 g flour
• 200 ml milk (for cheese sauce)
• 100 g young cheese, grated
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to do it

1. 01

   Peel the white asparagus and potatoes.

2. 02

   Cook the asparagus in boiling water for about 15 minutes, then drain well.

3. 03

   Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and milk to make a creamy mashed potato.

4. 04

   Wrap the cooked ham around the asparagus spears.

5. 05

   Spread the mashed potatoes into the bottom of an oven dish and place the ham-wrapped asparagus on top.

6. 06

   For the cheese sauce, melt a knob of butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook, stirring, until it forms a thick base.

7. 07

   Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously, until you have a smooth sauce.

8. 08

   Add the grated cheese bit by bit, letting it melt. Finish with black pepper.

9. 09

   Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus and mashed potatoes.

10. 10

    Place under a preheated grill at 220°C (425°F) for about 5–8 minutes until beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on it!