Put the stereotype of beans and cold pizza to bed. We’re well beyond that, aren’t we? Want to impress your flatmates with some tasty and healthy food? Look no further than the not-so-humble avocado to satisfy your flatmates from the hipster to the health nut.
Avocados are super nutritious and tasty. They contain healthy fats and nutrients which are beneficial to a healthy lifestyle.
Here are five recipes that’ll go down a treat and make your flatmate guac bottom (of the bowl!)
Easy poached eggs and avocado toast
Image: My Fit Station
You can’t beat eggs (get it?) for a cheap meal option, either for breakfast, lunch or a snack. While scrambling or frying might not take as long as poaching one you don’t need oil to poach an egg, making it a healthier – and cheaper – option. All you’ll need is a saucepan. Crack two eggs into individual bowls or a plate.
- Cut the avocado in half and mash in a bowl. Spread over toast and perhaps add some chili flakes or paprika to taste.
- Put the water in your saucepan and when it boils reduce the heat to a simmer. Quickly stir the water so a whirlpool forms in the middle. Gently slip both eggs into the whirlpool. Cook for 2 minutes and then remove from heat and keep in the pot until the eggs are cooked to how you like them.
- Take the eggs out of the pan with a slotted spoon and lay on top of your avocado toast.
Holy Guacamole
Fresh guac tastes so much better than the ones you can find in the supermarket, it won’t have any of those added extras like preservatives and heaps of salt and oil.
There are lots of recipes for guacamole. Experiment with the consistency and ingredients you like, but here’s a basic recipe to start you off.
2 Avocados
½ small red onion (finely minced)
1-2 red chilies (remove stem and seeds and finely mince)
2 tbl finely chopped coriander
1 tbl fresh lime or lemon juice
Selection of thing to dip: e.g. carrot sticks, celery, sliced pita bread, tortilla chips
- Cut open the avocados and remove the stones. Scoop out the flesh. Start cutting it into small cubes and add to a bowl and mash it to the consistency you like.
- Add in the other ingredients, starting with the lemon/lime juice.
For a serving flourish, add a couple of coriander leaves to decorate.
Baked Egg Avocados
Back to the egg and avo combo. A popular favourite. This is an easy dish and adds a bit of healthy class to a weekend brunch for 4.
Heat the oven to 425F
Cut two avocados in half. Remove stones and scoop out a little of the flesh if you need to fit in a small egg into each. Scoop long rather than deep to help the cooking process. Place upright into a baking tray or dish and add an egg into each.
Tip: Expect the white of the eggs to overflow if you crack the egg directly into the avocado. Alternatively, crack onto a plate and place the yolk first into the avocado and then top up with the white.
Cook for 15-20 minutes depending on your oven and how you like your eggs.
Serve with crunchy bread.
For a further twist, chop a little feta cheese with basil and sprinkle on top of each halfway into cooking.
Veggie Fajitas and Guacamole Dip
If you’re cooking for the whole flat, veggie fajitas are a cheap and reasonably healthy crowd pleaser. This is easy and you’re keeping the costs down by using up your leftovers and you can even wrap one up for a cheap homemade lunch option the next day!
All you will need is a pan, some oil, mixed veggies, seasoning and of course, tortilla wraps.
Stir fry all your veggies in the pan. Find your favourite combo; baby corn, red onion, small broccoli florets, finely sliced carrots, courgettes and peppers all work well. Remember to season.
Warm your tortillas in the microwave or oven.
Serve with the homemade guacamole recipe above. Yum!
Avocado Buddha Bowls
Buddha Bowls as a concept for student food are great. You can prepare ingredients ahead and get a few very tasty meals out of the same shop.
Simply sliced avocado adds a lovely soft texture and flavour to your chosen combos. Here are a few ingredients that are easy to put together and provide protein and health micronutrients.
Puy/Green lentils. Cook as on the packed adding seasoning to taste and keep to use ove 3-4 days
Quinoa/couscous/bulgar wheat. Cook in advance and keep in to use over ¾ days
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Grated carrot
Previously baked sweet potato cubes
Leaves: Spinach/rocket/mixed leaves
Beans: Chickpeas/adzuki beans/black beans
All you have to do is add some of your chosen ingredients into a bowl, slice avo on top. If you want, add some salad dressing.
So there you have it. 5 easy and healthy recipes to add to your culinary repertoire!
