Make a simple and tasty ham and asparagus grill

Quick to prepare with a no-fuss cheesy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a tasty lunch favourite. Plus, asparagus is a nutritious super food, so you can feel good while you chow down.

This meal only takes 5 minutes to prep and 12 to cook. It serves 4. Here's what you'll need:

• 12 asparagus spears
• 4 large slices cooked ham, about 175 g (6 oz)
• 150 ml (2/3 cup) low-fat ricotta or low-fat cream cheese
• 5 ml (1 tsp) cornstarch
• 50 ml (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) milk
• 15 ml (2 tbsp) snipped fresh chives

1. Trim off any tough ends from the asparagus and lay the spears in a large frying pan. Add just enough boiling water to cover, then return to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover the pan and simmer for about five minutes, or until the spears are tender.
2. Meanwhile, lay the ham on a work surface. Preheat the broiler to medium-high and have a large ovenproof dish or four gratin dishes ready for step 3. In a bowl, mix the ricotta or cream cheese and cornstarch. Reserve 15 grams (one tablespoon) of the Parmesan and stir the rest into the mixture. Whisk in the milk.
3. Drain the asparagus and place three spears over each slice of ham. Roll up and place in the prepared dish. Spoon the cheese mixture over the ham and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan. Cover any protruding asparagus tips with foil.
4. Broil the asparagus and ham rolls for five to six minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbling and browned. Sprinkle with the snipped chives before serving.

• Try baby leeks instead of asparagus. Allow two to three leeks per portion and poach them in a pan of boiling water for three to five minutes or until tender.
• Use crumbled blue cheese instead of Parmesan.
• If the asparagus spears have slightly tough ends, trim them off with a knife or snap them off where the tender spear meets the woody end. Use the woody parts to flavour a stock, straining and discarding them before use.

Each serving contains the following nutrients:

• 170 Calories
• 10 g Fat
• 6 g Saturated Fat
• 3 g Carbohydrates (1 g fibre)
• 17 g Protein

This is a quick and healthy meal that contains all the nutrients of asparagus along with a healthy dose of protein from the ham. Whip it up whenever you need a tasty snack, lunch, or appetizer.