Guacamole gets all the glory, but avocado has far more to offer than a scoop of dip with chips. Its creamy, buttery texture works in sweet and savoury dishes alike, and it blends beautifully into things you’d never expect, like pasta sauce and chocolate pudding. The best part is that most of these ideas take only a few minutes and need very little equipment. Pick one that’s ripe and gives slightly when you press it, and you’re ready to go. Here are five easy avocado recipes that might just steal the spotlight.
5 easy avocado recipes that taste better than guacamole and are ready in minutes
Cook about 200 grams of pasta, save a little of the hot pasta water, drain the pasta and toss it with the avocado sauce, adding the water a spoonful at a time until it turns silky and glossy. Chill it for 15 to 30 minutes if you can wait. This is the quickest one, and it’s far better than it sounds. Mash one ripe avocado with a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of salt and some black pepper. Spread it generously over a slice of crisp toasted bread, then sprinkle chilli flakes on top. The lemon keeps the avocado bright and stops it from browning. If you want to make it a full meal, add sliced tomatoes, a boiled egg or some crumbled paneer. Who needs cream? Mash one large ripe avocado with a fork until smooth, and stir in a clove of finely chopped garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. It’s rich, fresh and incredibly easy, and fresh basil or coriander on top makes it even better. Here’s an Indian twist that works wonderfully. Cube one ripe avocado and gently toss it with chopped tomato, onion, cucumber and fresh coriander. Add a squeeze of lemon, chaat masala and a pinch of black salt, and if you like, a handful of sprouts for crunch. Toss it gently just before serving so the avocado doesn’t turn mushy. It’s cool, tangy and spicy all at once, and it makes a great light snack for evenings. This one sounds odd until you taste it. Blend one large ripe avocado with three tablespoons of cocoa powder, two to three tablespoons of honey or a few soaked dates, a splash of milk and a drop of vanilla, until it’s completely smooth and silky. Taste it and adjust the sweetness or milk as needed. You’ll get a thick, creamy dessert that doesn’t taste like avocado at all. In many places, avocado is more of a dessert than a salad ingredient, and this shake shows why. Blend half to one ripe avocado with a cup of cold milk, a spoonful or two of honey or a few dates, and some ice cubes, until it’s frothy and smooth. It’s thick, creamy and filling, which makes it a good breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Add a banana if you want it sweeter. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Avocados are high in fat and calories, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. People with allergies, diabetes or other dietary restrictions should consult a doctor or dietitian, and check ingredients such as honey, dairy and gluten before preparing these recipes.
