Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

Salmorejo Sauce:

3 slices white bread
1 cup water
1 pound tomatoes, peeled and seeded
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Salt and pepper
1/4-cup olive oil
1 teaspoon sherry vinegar

Crown of Asparagus:

2 bunches asparagus
1 loaf Italian or French bread
1 clove garlic, peeled and cut in half
1 head lettuce, cleaned
2 tomatoes, sliced
2 ounces cured ham, diced

Instructions:

1. To make the Salmorejo 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. Add the vinegar and oil and process. Set aside until ready to use.
   
2. In a pot, boil the green asparagus until tender. Cut the points off, set aside, and chop the rest of the tender parts.
   
3. Cut the loaf of bread into thin slices and toast. While the toast is still warm, rub the surface with some of the garlic.
   
4. Place a large ring or cookie cutter in the center of 4 plates. 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.
   
5. Top with the sliced tomatoes and then a piece of toast. Finally, sprinkle with the cured ham.