Hot Asparagus, Yam, Goat Cheese and Onion salad

Oh how we suffer; forced to eat delicious food, lose weight and feel better (lays arm across forehead and looks faint.)  Well... we shall endeavor to persevere. Here's something that we cooked up today.


Hot Asparagus, Yam, Goat Cheese and Onion salad

Source: Original recipe
Serves: 2-3
This can be served as a main course or as a side-dish. If served as a side-dish double the number served.

Approx. 1/2 lb. fresh asparagus
1 yellow onion
1 small yam (1-1/2" x 8 inches)
2-3 oz. cubed Goat Cheese*
1 tbs. Crushed or minced garlic
2 tbs. Lard or olive oil
Sea salt to taste when served

*We use cheese that a friend makes that is like a cross between feta and fresh mozzarella in flavor and texture but crumbled feta works well also.  You want to use a cheese that isn't too 'melty.'

Preheat 12 inch saucepan with lard or oil over medium heat. Split yam lengthwise and cut into slices 1/4 inch thick or less.  Cut off woody bases of asparagus and discard then cut asparagus into halves or thirds. Slice onion in half and then section into 6-8 sections and separate layers.

Place onion and yam into pre-heated pan and distribute in one layer (or as near as possible.) Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes then stir and redistribute into a single layer. Stack asparagus on top of onion and yam and cover. Cook 5 minutes, remove cover and stir ingredients. Cover and cook 3-5 minutes then stir. Cook uncovered until desired texture/brownness is reached. Remove from heat and pour mixture into serving bowl being careful not to include too much excess oil.  Toss in cubes of Goat Cheese and serve immediately. Sea salt and black pepper to taste.

For a different flavor use six chopped strips of cooked bacon along with or in place of the Goat Cheese.