Here’s a fresh way to enjoy Ontario asparagus and jazz up a ham and cheese sandwich. Recipe and photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Serves 4
6 oz (170 g) Ontario asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces (about 1 cup/250 mL)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup (50 mL) grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (50 mL) packed coarsely chopped fresh Ontario basil
3 tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (25 mL) toasted pine nuts
Salt and pepper
1 regular or multi-grain baguette
4 oz (125 g) Ontario brie cheese, sliced
8 oz (250 g) thinly sliced Ontario ham
In food processor, process asparagus, garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, oil, pine nuts and salt and pepper to taste until puréed, scraping down side of bowl.
Cut baguette into 4 even lengths. Cut each piece in half horizontally. Spread each cut side with asparagus pesto. Top 4 bases with brie and ham slices. Sandwich with top bread.
Tip: Pesto recipe can easily be doubled and used on pasta or crostini. Store refrigerated in airtight container. Also, pesto can be frozen in 1 tbsp (15 mL) amounts and stored in airtight container for future use.
Nutritional Information:
1 serving
PROTEIN: 28 grams
FAT: 27 grams
CARBOHYDRATE: 47 grams
CALORIES: 550
FIBRE: 4 grams
SODIUM: 1510 mg
