There’s no reason to spend too much time in the kitchen because just by adding an avo to the most basic of meals, you’ll be amazed at how good they can taste. And to top that off, avocados also offer many health benefits.
The avocado is high in heart-healthy fats, energy, vitamin K and biotin; it’s also sodium and cholesterol free and a source of fibre. Need we say more – good taste and good health all in one and just waiting for you to slice open!
So why not revamp a few tried and tested easy meals by adding an avo? Think pulled chicken sliders with sliced avo on the side, take hotdogs from edible to extravagance by piling avo on top, and even a regular toasted cheese can be upgraded when you add avo on the inside!
For further information and avo recipes, visit www.avocado.co.za , like them on Facebook @iloveavocadoSA and follow them on Instagram @iloveavossa
Three-ingredient pulled chicken sliders
Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to make this easy recipe. It is the perfect prep-ahead meal and is extremely versatile. It can be served over rice or baked potato and is delicious in hotdog rolls or slider buns.
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes + 30 minutes marinating
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken thighs, skinless
- 3 chicken breasts, skinless
- 30 ml (2 Tbsp) Mexican spice, enchilada mix or fajita spice mix
- 250 ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- 1 jar salsa
To serve:
- 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, stoned and sliced
- 1 spring onion
- Lime or lemon wedges
- Chilli or pickled jalapeños
- Coleslaw mix
- 4 bread rolls
- Fresh coriander to garnish
Method:
- Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mix and set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
- Layer the chicken stock, salsa and then the chicken in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, do not stir. (This will prevent the burn notice on the Instant Pot). Seal the lid and set timer to 20 minutes.
- When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the venting valve.
- Once open remove the chicken pieces from the liquid and reduce the liquid by pressing the “sauté” button on the Instant Pot and simmering the sauce until reduced and thickened.
- On a chopping board shred the chicken using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the reduced sauce and toss to coat.
- To serve, lightly toast the bread rolls. Prepare the avocado and place other accompaniments in bowls for everyone to make their own slider.
Luxury hotdogs
Serves 4 – 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Ingredients for the salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
- 250 ml (1 cup) cooked corn kernels
- 3 spring onions, white and green parts thinly sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) avocado or olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt
Ingredients for the hotdogs:
- 6 hotdog sausages or Frankfurters
- 6 hotdog rolls
Method:
- Boil the sausages for 4-6 minutes in water.
- Slice the rolls in half.
- While the sausages are boiling, in a large bowl combine the avocado, corn, spring onion, jalapeño, lemon juice, coriander, avocado oil, crushed garlic and salt. Toss well.
- Remove the sausages and place one into each sliced bread roll.
- Top hotdogs each with about 30ml (2 tbsp) avocado corn salsa and serve immediately.
Toasted cheese with pear, caramelised onion & avocado
Take the most well-known quick meal to the next level with the addition of avocado.
Serves 1-2
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 Minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 slices crusty sourdough or French baguette
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) softened butter
- 1 small ripe pear, cored and sliced
- 250-500 ml (1-2 cups) good quality hard cheese such as Cheddar or Gruyere, grated
- 150 g caramelised onion or store-bought onion marmalade
- 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, stoned and sliced
Method:
- Preheat oven to 200 °C. Spread one side of each slice of bread with softened butter. Lay a few pear slices on top of the bread and cover with grated cheese.
- Place sandwiches on a sheet pan and bake until cheese has melted and golden around edges, about 6 – 8 minutes.
- To serve, top with the avocado slices, remaining pear slices and a dollop of caramelised onion.
