Smashed avocado on toast is a perennial brunch favourite, but if you want to spice things up with some new ways to enjoy this delicious and healthy ingredient, look no further. Here are some of our top new ideas – why not give them a go?
So saucy
Blitz up your avocado into a smooth and tasty green pasta sauce. Subtle and creamy, all you need to add is a little parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for a dinner that’s on the table in minutes.
Stuff it
Once you halve your avocado and remove the seed, that little hollow is practically begging to be topped up with other ingredients. Pack it with the filling of your choice for a simple lunch – a basic tomato salsa is a great option; or choose black beans, corn and cheese for a Mexican flavour hit.
Get grilling
Sick of waiting for your rock-hard avocado to ripen? Grilling is a great option. Simply remove the skin, cut the flesh into slices, brush with oil and pop on a hot grill pan. They’ll be soft in no time, with a lovely smoky flavour.
Bake it til you make it
Avocado can be used as a substitute for butter, eggs and oils in baking. It creates a delightfully moist result, and the substitution can also reduce the calorie content of your baked goods. For example, two tablespoons of butter has 200 calories, but two tablespoons of avocado only has 50 calories.
In a pickle
Add a twist to your sandwich or salad with pickled avocado. To make them, place one cup of white vinegar, one cup of water and one tablespoon of salt in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Then pour the mixture into a jar and add three diced, unripe avocados. Cover with a lid and let the avocado marinate for a couple of days before eating.
Fry up
Substitute out your usual potato chips for avocado chips instead. They make a great side dish or entrée, and are so easy to make. Simply cut your avocado into wedges, coat in flour and breadcrumbs, then deep fry in oil. Or, for a healthier alternative, place on a baking tray, spray with oil, and cook in the oven until brown.
