Crown of Green Asparagus

Ingredients

• 2 bunches asparagus 
• 1 clove garlic peeled cut in half
• 1 tablespoon garlic chopped
• 2 ounces cured ham diced
• 1 loaf bread french italian
• 1 head lettuce cleaned
• 0.3 cup olive oil 
• 4 servings salt and pepper 
• 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar 
• 1 pound tomatoes peeled seeded
• 2  tomatoes sliced
• 1 cup water 
• 3 slices bread white

Equipment

• food processor
• bowl
• pot
• cookie cutter

Directions

1. To make the sauce, combine the bread and water in a bowl and allow to sit for a few minutes. In a food processor, combine the bread mixture, tomatoes, and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and process until smooth.
2. Add the vinegar and oil and process. Set aside until ready to use.
3. In a pot, boil the green asparagus until tender.
4. Cut the points off, set aside, and chop the rest of the tender parts.
5. Cut the loaf of bread into thin slices and toast. While the toast is still warm, rub the surface with some of the garlic.
6. Place a large ring or cookie cutter in the center of 4 plates.
7. Place the crown tips of the asparagus around the plates. Arrange a few leaves of lettuce on the bottom of the rings and top with the chopped asparagus.
8. Top with the sliced tomatoes and then a piece of toast. Finally, sprinkle with the cured ham.
9. To finish and serve, drizzle a little of the Salmorejo sauce around the plate and serve.