A plant-based diet means different things to different people. But for everyone, avocados are a health and happiness go-to!
Whether you’re strictly vegan, a version of vegetarian or are simply trying to eat more plant than animal products, avocados add that element of richness, creaminess and a sense of luxury to meals.
Avocados can be used in both sweet and savoury cooking – substitute butter for mashed avocado on a 1:1 ratio in all your baking and it still comes out a treat! Or use it to make vegan basics – avocado easily replaces the egg in mayonnaise and other emulsified sauces.
They can be the star, like an al-fresco lunch of avocado halves filled with a caprese of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, spritzed with balsamic; or a jewel-like topping for everything from vegetarian chilli to sushi. And let’s not forget guacamole – every food’s best friend!
Various studies have shown that eating a plant-based diet – and yes, that does mean avocados in your daily meal plan – can help reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and may even have a positive impact on emotional wellbeing. And here we were thinking it was just the delicious, satisfying flavour of avocados that made us smile!
Luckily the South African avocado season is now in full swing and will run up until November. Look out for green-skinned varieties of Fuerte, Edranol, Ryan, Reed and Pinkerton, which remain green when ripe – the stalks come away easily to indicate ripeness, so please don’t squeeze – and the dark-skinned Hass, Maluma Hass and Lamb Hass, which turn an amazing purple-black to show they are table and toast ready.
If you’re yet to experience the versatility of avocados, try the Guacamole Tagliatelle or Honey Roast Autumn Veg with Avocado Dressing below. You’ll be hooked!
- Guacamole Tagliatelle
- Honey Roast Autumn Veg with Avocado Dressing
Guacamole Tagliatelle Recipe
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 300 g tagliatelle or pasta of your choice
- 2 large ripe avocados, peeled and stoned
- 4 spring onions, chopped
- 30 g coriander, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 chilli, chopped (optional)
- Pinch of ground cumin
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 chilli, sliced (optional)
- Avocado or olive oil, to drizzle
- Extra lemon to squeeze over
Method:
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to instructions on the packet.
- While the pasta is cooking, place one avocado in a food processor or jug of a stick blender, with the spring onions, coriander, garlic, chilli, cumin, paprika, lemon juice and zest. Whizz to a smooth consistency.
- Drain the pasta and reserve 125 ml (1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water. Toss the hot pasta with the avocado sauce. If the sauce is very thick it can be thinned down with some of the pasta water.
- Cut the remaining avocado into cubes.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls with cherry tomatoes, chopped avocado, seasoning, sliced chilli (if using) lemon wedges and a drizzle of avocado oil.
