"The avocado is a food without rival among the fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise" - David Fairchild
Avocado Recipes- Avocados are both creamy and buttery but minus the cholesterol and toxicity of dairy. Avocados are probably one of the only fruit that combine the protein of meat, fat of butter, vitamins and minerals of green vegetables and a nutty flavour.
Avocados are an expensive proposition for the average man in India. They're only available in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru and we wouldn't necessarily call it affordable. It's grown scarcely in India, maybe in some parts of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and better kind is imported. Which might be the reason why it's so expensive in India.
They're are a powerhouse of health and undeniably delicious, which is as good as it gets. Sometimes referred to as the 'alligator pear' or the 'butter pear', avocados have some pretty quirky names because of their bumpy, green and pear shaped build. It's a berry like fruit with a single, round seed inside.
The avocado tree is native to the Western Hemisphere from Mexico which is south of the Andean region. Avocados have a a greenish or yellowish flesh with a butter-like consistency and a rich, nutty flavour. They're included in salads and in many parts of the world they're also used in desserts.
Avocados are as important to Mexican food as pudina is to Indian food. Mashed avocado is the principal ingredient in guacamole, which is a characteristic sauce in Mexican cuisine. The most popular type of avocado is called Hass avocado and it's hindi name is makhan phal which means butter fruit.
The Art of Mindful Eating
Slice and serve them with nuts, cheese or fruits or mash them and whip up a gorgeous bowl of guacamole with salt, lime, garlic and chilli. They also make the ideal baby food, can be blended into drinks with sweet condensed milk or added to ice cream, smoothies and dips.
The Health Benefits of Avocados
According to Dr. Gargi Sharma, weight-management expert, "Avocados are extremely rich in potassium. Much more than what bananas have. They're also rich in fiber." Avocados help prevent cancer and cut the risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Their high fiber content and low carbohydrate content makes them an ideal fruit to eat if you're trying to lose weight.
According to a 2014 study published in the 'The Journal of Nutrition', avocados can help regulate active Vitamin A in the body which is responsible for smooth immune functions and good vision. Avocados also have antioxidant properties and are extremely vital for maintaining a healthy looking skin.
(Eat Avocados for Glowing Skin)
Are avocados rich in fat? Yes, it's true that avocados are high-fat fruits but most of that fat is 'good fat'. It helps regulate cholesterol and at the same time, reduce bad cholesterol.
Buying and storing tips: Avocados ripen within 3-4 days after purchasing, depending on their firmness when purchased. Do not select avocados that are soft to the touch unless you plan to eat them immediately. It ripens quicker when placed beside banana and apples. Once peeled, the avocado will discolour over time. Add lemon or lime juice, store in a glass jar and they can be frozen.
Here are some quick ideas of how to use gorgeous, fleshy and creamy avocados. From dips to sandwiches, we've got it all covered in the list of 13 best avocado recipes:
1. Seared Tuna with Baby Spinach and Avocado
Gorgeous tuna rubbed with black and white sesame seeds and some aromatic rosemary served with baby spinach and some creamy avocado.
With a spicy dressing sitting between avocado and baby spinach, this tuna recipe is a delight to relish.
2. Corn and Avocado Salad
Make the most of the season. Corn, avocado, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes and some mildly spiced, light dressing.
An easy, quick and refreshing summer salad to gorge on for mid day hunger pangs.
3. Guacamole
A traditional Mexican dip, rich with avocado butter and notorious flavours for that extra zing. It can also be layered smooth on breads for a delicious spread.
Mexico's all time favorite creamy avocado dip.
4.Pearl Barley Salad with Pomegranate and Avocado
Add a splash of freshness to your Pearl Barley salad with chopped avocado, pomegranate and mint. Drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, this salad recipe is packed with delicious flavours and nutritious ingredients.
Packed with the healthy pomegranate and refreshing mint, this salad recipe is a must try.
5. Chicken and Avocado Sandwich
Every brunch menu must have this sizzling sandwich on their menu! Layer a slice of toast with the buttery avocado spread, chilli onions and spicy chicken chunks and enjoy a mouthful of goodness with every bite you take.
A delicious toasted bread chicken sandwich with chilli onions and a creamy avocado spread.
6.Coriander & Avocado Relish
Surprise your guests with this avocado spread. Vibrant coriander, parsley, garlic and peppers mixed with some fresh and creamy yogurt. A perfect dip to complement your evening snacks.
Coriander and avocado relish
7. Grilled Cheese Toast with Bacon, Avocado and Tomato
Sliced bacon, avocado and tomatoes sandwiched between toasted buns and cheese slices. A delectable breakfast dish to prepare quickly.
Grilled cheese toast with bacon, avocado and tomato
8. Corn, Raw Mango & Avocado Salad
Treat yourself to a bowl full of mango, corn, avocado, and pineapple, tossed with spring onions and cherry tomatoes. Add a zingy dressing to make this salad a perfect summer relish.(Recipe video)
Packed with healthy ingredients and summer special fruit- mangoes, this salad is just what you need for your hunger pangs.
9. Tossed Mixed Salad
Go creative with your choice of veggies while you add avocado slices to your salad. This easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to be a hit for salad aficionados.
Throw in some cucumbers, lettuce, onions, avocado, dress with a sweet & sour sauce and dig in.
10. Thai Pork Salad
Watch the magic unveil when garlic sauteed pork is added to a bed of veggies tossed in spicy dressing. Up the ante with bits of avocado, jalapeno and spring onions for that extra freshness.(Recipe video)
Lean pork sauteed and tossed with salad greens, avocado, jalapenos, cucumbers, sesame oil and spring onions.
11. Avocado Chicken Kebabs
Relish the exquisite blend of flavours wrapped in a mixture and deep fried. Minced chicken along with chillies, ginger, garlic and mint leaves mixed with avocado and parmesan cheese, crisp fried to tikkis. Go beyond regular and try these stuffed chicken and avocado kebabs with pineapple salsa.
Soft, succulent chicken kebabs with a hint of avocado and cheese.12. Chilli Oil Avocado Salad
Avocados are probably one of the only fruit that combine the protein of meat, fat of butter, vitamins and minerals of green vegetables and a nutty flavour. So here's a healthy and nutritious salad for all avocado lovers.
13. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
