Green. It’s the colour of our Springboks’ and Olympic athletes’ kit. The colour of Valley of a Thousand Hills when you drive to Durbs and of the grasslands of Kruger after the spring rains.
It’s the colour that runs through the heart of our flag. This Heritage Day we’re celebrating another South African ‘green favourite’ – our locally grown avos.
No matter how you enjoy Heritage Day, and no matter what cultural deliciousness you’re serving, you must add an avo (or five!) for a splash of Mzansi green.
- Heritage Day has also become synonymous with braaiing, thanks to the important role that cooking over coals plays in so many local cultures. From Weber braais and skottel braais in backyards, to poolside braais and shisa nyama in our vibrant townships, the braai is part of what it means to be South African.
So, it’s a good thing that versatile avos pair equally well with cultural delicacies as they do with braais!
There’s no end to how you can chop, dice, mash, smash or dress up avocados, the sky’s the limit thanks to their creamy texture and nutty, buttery flavour.
Put them on the side just as they are or in any number of salads; blitz them into dressings and sauces for the meat; or turn them into fabulous desserts.
You can whip up avo milkshakes – they are oh-so velvety – or make avo ice-cream. But do make double – the kids and your guests are going to come back for seconds!
In case you need one more reason to put avos on your family’s Heritage Day plates, look at all the nutritional benefits they offer. Avos are high in heart-healthy fats, vitamin K and biotin, free from cholesterol and sodium, and can form part of a successful energy-controlled diet for weight management.
Locally grown avos are considered a value-for-money ingredient, as a little goes a long way. Given the high cost of groceries, that’s music to our ears! Avos also elevate bland family dishes into something special, adding smiles to dinnertime.
This Heritage Month we’re pushing the braai boundaries and making an Avo Braai Snack Board complete with rib and avo dip, and jalapeno and avo poppers, and ‘Braaibroodjie’ with Caramelised Onion, Mozzarella, Feta and Avo.
Come 24 September 2024, gather friends and family, light the fire, and kuier like only South Africans can. Just remember to add an avo, because our blood is green.
Braaibroodjie’ with Caramelised Onion, Mozzarella, Feta and Avo
Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 100 g soft butter, for spreading
- 8 slices white bread
- 200 g mozzarella, grated
- 2 avocados, sliced
- Salt and pepper
- 60 ml (¼ cup) caramelised onions
- 60 ml (¼ cup) black pepper or plain feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
Method:
- Butter the bread slices. Top 4 of the slices with mozzarella, avo (seasoned with salt and pepper), caramelised onion, feta and thyme.
- Close with the remaining 4 bread slices, buttered side in.
- Place the prepared ‘braaibroodjies’ into a closed hinged grid and braai over medium-hot coals, turning often, until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Load shedding friendly!
For further information and avo recipes, visit www.avocado.co.za , like us on Facebook @iloveavocadoSA and follow us on Instagram @iloveavossa
