3 Yummy New Avocado Recipes
(Photos: Morena Escardo)
When we think of eating avocados, we typically think of guacamole or adding a few slices to a salad. But avocados are increasingly becoming a healthy and versatile ingredient for a variety of recipes. They have a distinctive taste that is easily identifiable, yet mild enough to meld well with a wide range of ingredients. Read on to see 3 yummy new ways to enjoy avocados – including some that are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.
Related: 8 Delicious No-Bake Desserts
1. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
This dessert combines the rich texture of avocado and the decadent chocolaty taste of cacao. Avocado provides a rich, creamy texture without the need for butter, cream or milk, and adding it to your sweet recipes can help you turn many of them vegan and raw. Add coconut oil and raw honey to this already-powerful combo for a healthy yet satisfying food in the shape of a dessert. Get the recipe here.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 medium avocado
4 sections of chocolate, chopped
4 teaspoons raw honey
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Directions
- Bring a small pan with about 1-inch of water to a boil. Turn the heat off, and put a bowl on top, as a lid.
- Place the chopped chocolate in the bowl, so it melts with the steam from the water underneath it. Mix with a spatula every now and then until completely melted.
- Transfer the melted chocolate to a blender or food processor, together with the avocado, honey and coconut oil. Process until completely smooth (make sure there are no avocado pieces left).
- Pour the mixture into 4 shot glasses, and refrigerate for an hour or longer.
- Optional: Before serving, garnish each portion with a sliced strawberry and/or a mint leaf.
2. Pasta With Creamy Avocado Sauce
The softness of ripe avocados is a wonderful alternative to more traditional sauces made with cream. Avocados go well with a wide range of ingredients. This delicious and easy dish combines pine nuts, raisins and dried chili flakes with a creamy avocado sauce. It can also be made vegan by skipping the shaved Parmesan garnish, or gluten-free if you use brown rice or quinoa pasta. Get the recipe here.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 cups organic brown rice penne
1 medium avocado
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons of raisins
1 1/2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
3 tablespoons shaved Parmesan
Directions
- Bring a pan of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, until al dente.
- In the meantime, put the avocado, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth.
- When the pasta is ready, turn the heat off, drain in a colander and put back in the pan. Cover with the avocado sauce and sprinkle with the raisins, pine nuts and chili flakes. Mix well.
- Serve in two dishes, with shaved Parmesan on top.
3. Tropical Avocado Smoothie
Most smoothies get their creamy texture from fruits, nuts butters or yogurt. But another less-common option is adding avocado, which blends well with fruit-based smoothies that incorporate berries or tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, as well as with veggie-based smoothies that include greens like kale and spinach. Half an avocado adds about 150 calories. Get the recipe here.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Yields: 2 smoothies
Ingredients
1 mango, peeled and chopped
2 cups pineapple chunks
1 cup light coconut milk
1/2 medium avocado
Directions
- Put the mango and pineapple in a bowl and freeze for 4 hours or longer. (Or use frozen fruit).
- Transfer the frozen fruit to a blender, together with the coconut milk and avocado. Process until smooth. If it’s too thick and you need more liquid, add coconut water.
- Serve in two glasses, with a straw in each.
The original article “12 Yummy New Avocado Recipes" appeared on LIVESTRONG.COM.
By Morena Escardo
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