5 Unique Ways to Use Avocados: Recipes Included
Table of Contents
Introduction
Avocados are a beloved fruit that have become a staple in many people’s diets. Whether you enjoy them in guacamole, on toast, or in a smoothie, there’s no denying that avocados are a versatile and delicious ingredient. However, there are many other ways to incorporate this nutrient-dense fruit into your cooking that you might not have considered.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring five unique ways to use avocados in recipes. From chocolate mousse to shrimp salad, these recipes will showcase the versatility and deliciousness of avocados in new and exciting ways. But before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a closer look at avocados and why they’re so good for you.
Basic Information About Avocados
Before we get into the recipes, it’s helpful to know some basic information about avocados. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- How to select and store avocados: When choosing an avocado, look for one that is slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If the avocado is still firm, it will need a few more days to ripen. To speed up the ripening process, place the avocado in a paper bag with an apple or banana. Once ripe, store the avocado in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
- Nutritional benefits of avocados: Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. One medium avocado contains about 250 calories, 23 grams of fat, 12 grams of fiber, and significant amounts of potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. The healthy fats in avocados can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and aid in the absorption of other nutrients.
Now that we know a bit more about avocados, let’s move on to the recipes!
5 Recipes with Avocados
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts fresh fruit, whipped cream
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
- Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed.
- Divide the mousse between four small bowls or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Top with chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
If you prefer a sweeter mousse, add a bit more maple syrup or your favorite sweetener.
To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based milk such as almond milk and omit the whipped cream. Try this maple syrup in the recipe!
Avocado Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: paprika chopped herbs, extra olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the chickpeas, avocado, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and cumin in a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
- If the hummus is too thick, add a bit of water or extra olive oil to thin it out.
- Taste the hummus and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving dish and top with paprika, chopped herbs, and extra olive oil, if desired.
Notes
If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute it with peanut butter or almond butter.
This Avocado Hummus is great as a dip for veggies or pita chips, or as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. Try this tahini in your hummus!
Avocado and Egg Breakfast Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced tomato sprouts, hot sauce
Instructions
- Toast the bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet.
- While the bread is toasting, slice the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a small bowl and mash it with a fork.
- Fry the eggs in a skillet over medium heat until they are cooked to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the sandwich by spreading the mashed avocado on one slice of bread, then placing the fried eggs on top. Add any optional toppings, then top with the second slice of bread.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, add sliced tomato or sprouts to the sandwich.
This Avocado and Egg Breakfast Sandwich is a filling and nutritious way to start your day. Try out this Hot Sauce with your sandwich!
Avocado and Shrimp Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomato sliced jalapeno, crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Combine the cooked shrimp, diced avocado, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp and avocado mixture, and toss to coat.
- Serve the salad immediately, topped with any optional toppings you like.
Notes
This Avocado and Shrimp Salad is a perfect meal for hot summer days, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Try this Olive Oil out!
Avocado and Mango Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- 1 ripe mango diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the diced avocado, diced mango, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeno pepper in a bowl.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the salsa immediately with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled fish.
Notes
This Avocado and Mango Salsa is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any dish, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Try out these Jalapenos!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five unique ways to use avocados in recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this versatile and delicious fruit. From chocolate mousse to shrimp salad to salsa, avocados can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. So why not try incorporating avocados into your cooking and see what delicious creations you can come up with?
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