The canned asparagus that Dani García elevates with Parmesan and ham

Preserved asparagus is often the easy go-to for many, but we never would have thought it could end up being the base of a high cuisine dish without complications. Dani García

The recipe stands out for its short list of ingredients, which are precisely what give personality to this dish: white asparagus from a jar, ham cubes, basil leaves, and parmesan. A touch of olive oil and salt and pepper, and we have the perfect base. But the secret lies in the final touch: the basil oil which, according to the chef, makes all the difference.

The ingredients and basic preparation

This recipe only requires:

• A jar of white asparagus
• Diced ham
• Basil leaves
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt, pepper, olive oil, and sunflower oil

The preparation couldn’t be simpler: place the asparagus in the air fryer, salt, pepper, and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook at 200ºC on grill mode for 15 minutes. Halfway through, when about 7 minutes remain, add the ham to give it that crunchy point that delights.

The touch of basil oil

To prepare the basil oil, the leaves are toasted in the microwave to eliminate their bitterness. Then, they are blended with olive oil and sunflower oil, and salt and pepper are added to taste. This oil provides freshness and an aromatic counterpoint that elevates the dish.

Finishing and assembly

Once the asparagus and ham are ready, they are arranged on the plate, drizzled with basil oil, and sprinkled with parmesan. The result is a crispy, fresh dish with a dash of parmesan that makes it irresistible, ideal for a quick dinner but with a taste of luxury.

Why this is Dani García’s favorite dinner

Dani García admits that this recipe is his choice when he wants a spectacular dinner without complications. The combination of preserved asparagus with crispy ham and parmesan makes every bite a balanced experience between tradition and homemade innovation.

The chef also highlights the role of the air fryer, which allows achieving that crispy texture without excessive fats or complications. This method has become an ally for simple dishes with an almost restaurant-quality result.

A dish for new domestic trends

This recipe fits perfectly with the current trend of more practical kitchens and appliances that make life easier. Preserved asparagus, often underestimated, gains prominence when combined with ingredients that add texture and flavor.

Comparison with other simple recipes

If you’re looking for other options for easy and tasty dishes, you can see the healthy recipe of hake with peas and garlic, which also fits this philosophy of cooking without complicating life.

Tips and variations for a personal version

How to increase complexity without losing simplicity

Adding a bit of extra parmesan cheese or swapping the ham for higher-quality Iberian ham can transform the dish. You can also play with other herbs in the oil, always keeping basil as the base for freshness.

Other uses for preserved asparagus

Preserved white asparagus is not only useful for this recipe. Ferran Adrià’s secret to reinventing preserved peas shows that these ingredients can be the base for surprising and versatile creations.

The reality is that this combination of preserved asparagus, crispy ham, and parmesan is proof that cooking can be simple, quick, and delicious without the need for exotic ingredients or long processes. A recipe that has captivated Dani García and can become your new classic for dinners.