Food

5 different uses for avocado — not just guacamole

June 10, 2013

Avocados. Never have I eaten so many since moving to California. But after making bowls upon bowls of guacamole and adding sliced avos to sandwiches for lunches until the end of time, I realized I needed to find new ways to make use of this superfood.

Today I’m sharing with you the fruits of my research labor. We’ve got hors d’oeuvres, breakfast, a face mask and even dessert! Check out five new ways to use an avocado:

I can’t decide what I loved more about these deviled eggs: the spicy kick or healthier filling, which skips the mayo and mustard and instead uses half the amount of yolks with avocados. If you have a star tip, pipe the filling for an extra fancy presentation. Not that I made these for a party or anything. I whipped it up for lunch, and Eaman and I basically inhaled the platter.

Being on a budget, I don’t have the money for the name-brand face scrubs and masks I used to buy. But the secret is: You don’t need those things! This face mask is loved for its glow-producing powers, but I thought the best part was how supple my skin felt after washing it off. Oh, and don’t be afraid to lick the parts that get on your mouth. It’s pretty tasty, too.

We used to live next to Cafe Gitane in New York, and one of the restaurant’s most popular breakfast items is the avocado toast. I never ordered it because it seemed ludicrous to pay $7.25 for something that’s so easy to make at home, and in fact, it is. You don’t really need instructions, but here’s an avocado toast recipe I used for inspiration. (Sidenote: I once saw Ryan Gosling sitting outside at Gitane. I recognized his dog first — stalker much? — and lapped Gosling twice just to soak in the experience. It was amazing.)

OK, I know I said these would be non-guacamole ideas, but this Indian version, which uses turmeric, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and garlic, is truly different — and delicious. It pairs particularly well with Trader Joe’s quinoa-black bean chips.

Thanks to its lack of strong flavor and creamy texture, avocado is a great alternative in velvety desserts like this chocolate mousse. The one caveat is it’s rich. And this is coming from the girl who always ordered the chocolate chocolate chunk at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. You’ll want to share it — with about 100 people.

I’m curious: Do you have any favorite non-traditional uses for avocado? Do share!

6 thoughts on “5 different uses for avocado — not just guacamole

  1. Stacy | The Lacquerie

    I put avo on everything too – I forget that it’s a Cali thing ;) These all sound so good, but can’t wait to try the face mask!

    Reply
    1. Archana Post author

      You’ll love the face mask! The combo of honey and creamy avocado is really soothing and cooling on the skin.

      Reply
  2. Kate

    Avocado in chocolate pudding?! Wow, never heard of that one but I might have to give it shot. This coming from the girl who buys too many avocados at Costco and only makes guacamole with them :)

    Reply
    1. Archana Post author

      It’s worth trying! Avocados have a nice creamy texture, so they’re great in desserts. But just remember, this one is really rich!

      Reply
  3. Honey What's Cooking

    Love your blog. I found NY to Nomad yesterday and I’m so envious you guys got to do that… as much as I love to travel, I just don’t think I can do it for 1 year. Just a great blog!
    I love avocados too… and I’ve been meaning to make avocado chocolate mousse, seen recipes everywhere. Definitely on my list. Gorgeous photos!

    Reply
    1. Archana Post author

      Thank you so much! It was a trip of a lifetime, and I think about it all the time. I highly recommend something similar, but definitely doesn’t need to be a year! Maybe even just a month or two to get some clarity and get out of your comfort zone.

      Thanks for reading–hopefully this inspires an avocado mousse recipe in your near future :)

      Reply

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