This creamy, green fruit (it’s technically a berry) is capable of so much more deliciousness than you can imagine. Here are our top 10 ways to make the most of its amazing versatility!
1. Butter substitute
If you enjoy baking, but not the large amounts of butter that comes with it, replace half the butter in your recipe with mashed avocado. Not only is this healthier, but your baked goods will also be softer and moister.
2. Avocado dip
This avocado dip is easy to whip up and is super tasty! Blitz an avocado, ½ cup cream cheese, chilli, 1 lemon zested and juiced until smooth. Season well with 1 red chilli, seeded and chopped.
3. Grilled avocado
For an appetising and robust addition to your salad, pop some avocado on a griddle pan before tossing it through the rest of the ingredients. The char lines will add visual appeal while bringing a lovely smoky flavour to an otherwise ordinary bowl of greens.
4. Deep-fried avocado
Mix flour, salt, pepper and cumin in a bowl. In another bowl, beat an egg. Place breadcrumbs in its own bowl. Dip an avocado slice in the seasoned flour, then the beaten egg, and lastly in the breadcrumbs. Deep-fry the slices for 3-5 minutes until golden. The crunchy crust gives way to a creamy centre that is all kinds of yum.
5. Spicy and zesty chicken taco bowl with avocado
You will need chicken breast fillet, olive oil, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, avocado, corn kernels, salad tomato, lettuce, lime or lemon, coriander and nacho chips.
Store nacho chips separately from the salad until just before serving to prevent them from going soggy. Click here for the steps.
6. Avocado hummus
The classic Middle Eastern dip of blended chickpeas and tahini gets a rich makeover when you throw an avocado into the mix.
All you need is 1 tin chickpeas, 2 medium-ripe avocados, 3 Tbsp olive oil, 1½ Tbsp tahini, 3 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, ½ tsp cumin, salt and pepper.
Blitz all the ingredients together until smooth. Serve spread over toasted pita, topped with chopped coriander and dried chilli flakes.
7. Avocado egg boat
Avocados make a perfect egg cup, with the bonus of no extra washing up! Simply halve and pit an avocado and crack an egg into each dip. Bake until the egg is cooked to your liking and season with fresh herbs and spices of your choice.
If you’re not one for egg, then replace it with tuna, chicken, bacon or macon, and vegetables.
8. Avocado-chocolate pancakes
Indulge in a sweet and chocolatey breakfast fortified with buttery avocado. In a large bowl, mix ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup whole-wheat flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 Tbsp sugar, 3 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
Make a well in the centre and add 1 cup milk, 1 large egg and 1 ripe mashed avocado. Stir until smooth. If you are feeling extra indulgent, add ⅓ cup chocolate chips to the batter before frying.
Cook in batches in a little oil over medium heat. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface. Serve with all your favourite toppings – we love honey, crushed nuts, whipped cream and fresh fruit.
9. Avocado rose
Don’t be intimidated — this is super easy to make! Turn something as simple as avocado on toast into an eye-catching masterpiece.
Thinly slice the entire avocado using a sharp knife, such as a pairing or serrated knife. Using your fingers, spread out the slices into a long strip without separating them. Grab one end and slowly curl the slices into one another to resemble a rose.
Season the avocado rose and add a squeeze of lemon juice to stop it from browning. Click here to see how it’s done.
10. Avocado daiquiri
Feeling adventurous? Consider mixing up your weekend tipple. Place 60ml light rum, 60ml gold rum, 15ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml fresh lime juice, 60ml simple syrup, ¼ medium ripe avocado (peeled and pitted), 15ml cream and 1½ cups ice in a blender. Blitz until just smooth. Divide between two cocktail glasses and enjoy!
