Mouthwatering Recipes for Avocados

Avocados are a very healthy addition to any diet, trypepper in a small bowl and toss with salad greens.
these different ways of preparing them.Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.
Although avocados originate from Mexico and CentralServes 4
America they were bought to Spain by thePoached Huevos Rancheros.
conquistadors and have adapted well to theIngredients:
Mediterranean climate andgrow here in abundance.4 free range chicken eggs
They are an unusual and useful fruit becausethey do1 tsp apple cider vinegar, or any other light
not properly ripen until picked so can be left on thevinegarabout 4 cups water
tree and virtually be harvested all year round.3 + 1 TBS chicken or vegetable broth
Recently they have been discovered to have2 cans of black beans, drained
umpteen health benefits and as they are included1 medium onion, minced
regularly in the Mediterranean diet they give further4 medium cloves garlic, chopped
weight to the health giving benefits of this diet.2 tsp ground cumin
In brief some of these benefits include lowering1 1/2 TBS red chili powder
cholesterol and guardingagainst high blood pressure,2 TBS chopped fresh rocket or watercresssalt and
heart disease and stroke. This is due totheir oleic acidblack pepper to tasteprepared salsa
content along with their high folate and potassium2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
content.1 large avocado, cubed
Oleic acid has also been shown to protect againstMethod.
breast cancer and avocadosalso contain high levels ofBring water and vinegar to a light boil in a shallow pan.
lutein and vitamin E both of which also have cancerMake sure there is enough water to cover eggs.In a
protective properties.In all avocados contain over 25separate stainless steel skillet heat 1 TBS broth.
vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.Healthy Sauté onion in broth over medium heat
Always buy avocados when they are firm to thefor about 5 minutes stirring frequently, until translucent.
touch and ripen at home.Once they are slightly softAdd garlic, beans, red chili powder, cumin, and rest of
under pressure they are ready to use.Cut round with abroth while egg water is coming to a boil. Cook beans
sharp knife to the depth of about 1.5 centimetres thenfor about 10 minutes on medium low heat, stirring
twist and separate the 2 halves. Remove the large pipoccasionally. Add rocket or watercress, salt and
and they are ready for use.pepper.To poach eggs, crack into water and cook
Recipes for Avocados.about 5 minutes, just until the white is set and the yolk
Shrimp and Avocado Salad.have filmed over. Remove with a slotted spoon, and
Ingredients:place eggs over beans. Serve with salsa, shredded
1 lb cooked medium sized shrimp (buy still frozen ifromaine lettuce and avocado.
possible for freshness)remove tailsServes 4
1 medium sized tomato, seeded and choppedRecipes for Avocados.
3 scallion choppedAvocado Gazpacho Soup.
1 large clove garlic, pressedTheir soft creamy texture make avocados a perfect
2 TBS fresh lemon juicesubstitute for tomatoesin this lovely gazpacho soup.
1 TBS balsamic vinegarIngredients.
1 large firm avocado cut into 1/2 inch cubes2 slices bread, crusts removed.
1 TBS chopped fresh mint3 ripe avocados,chopped
2 TBS chopped pumpkin seeds2 small red bell pepper, diced medium
1 TBS chopped rocket or watercresssalt &1/2 red onion, diced medium
pepper to tastepinch red pepper flakes1/2 cucumber, diced medium
1 head small romaine lettuce, outer leaves2 cloves garlic, minced
removedextra virgin olive oil to taste5 TBS wine vinegarpinch cayenne
Method.1 teaspoon cuminapprox 1/4 litre of water
Make sure shrimp is completely unfrozen, if you buy it3 TBS olive oilsalt and black pepper to taste
already cooked, and patted dry with paperMethod.
towels.Assemble all ingredients with shrimp in a bowlSoak the bread in the water. Place all the diced
except lettuce and mix. For optimum flavor, marinate invegetables in a blender with the garlic, it may be
refrigerator for 15 minutes or more. It is still very goodnecessary to do them in 2 batches.Blendunti
served right away if you don't have the time. Serve onpuréed then train into a large bowl.Squeeze the
bed of chopped romaine lettuce.water from the breadand purée in the blender,
Serves 4with the motor running, slowly add the olive oil,then the
Recipes for Avocados.cumin, vinegar and salt and pepper. Add some of the
Romaine and Avocado Salad.vegetable purée tpo the blender and then mix all
Ingredients:together in the large bowl.Thin to the required
1 large head romaine lettuce, outside leaves discardedconsistency with the water and adjust the
1 large tomato choppedseasoning.Garnish with chopped parsley.
1 small red bell pepper cut in thin julienne, 1 inch longServes 6.
1/2 small avocado cut into chunksRecipes for Avocados.
Optional: 2 TBS coarsely chopped walnutsAvocado Fruit Smoothie.Ingredients:
Dressing:As with the above soup, avocados with their smooth
2 TBS lemon juicecreamy texture make ideal "smoothies".
2 tsp balsamic vinegarextra virgin olive oil to tasteIngredients:
Salt and cracked black pepper to taste1/2 and avocado
Method.1/2 pint chilled milk
1. Remove outer leaves of lettuce heads and discard.1 small banana
Cut off tops of leaves and discard. Tops are bitter.4-5 fresh strawberries
Chop remaining inner leaves. Rinse in cold water, and if1/2- 1 tsp honey.
you have a salad spinner, spin lettuce to dry. If youMethod.
don't have one, remove as much water as possible inChop all the fruit up into small pieces then place all the
a colander and then dry with paper towels. This willingredientsin a liquidiser and blend until smooth and
keep the flavor of the salad from getting diluted.2.creamy.
Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt and