A ripe avocado yields to gentle pressure when held in the palm of the hand and squeezed. The flesh is prone to enzymatic browning; it turns brown quickly after exposure to air. To prevent this, lime or lemon juice can be added to avocados after they are peeled. The fruit is not sweet, but fatty, and distinctly yet subtly flavored, and of smooth, almost creamy texture. It is used in both savory and sweet dishes, though in many countries not for both. The avocado is very popular in vegetarian cuisine, as substitute for meats in sandwiches and salads because of its high fat content. Generally, avocado is served raw read entire commentSource: Wikipedia
Big, Bountiful Salads That Satisfy (ARA) - The days when salads were strictly a side dish to something more important -- they’re so over. A big, bountiful salad deserves to be the center of attention.
Whether you’re on a special diet or just looking to eat in an interesting, healthful way, there’s no reason to settle for boring combos. A well-made salad should deliver a lively interplay of flavors and textures. What’s more, the salad needs to be substantial enough that you don’t get hungry an hour later. On both scores, ingredients such as avocados, nuts and hard-cooked eggs qualify as great salad builders. Each contributes a distinctive flavor and texture, while satisfying hunger pangs for hours.
Take “Avocado Beef Salad with Asian Dressing,” for instance. Thick avocado slices take the lead in a main-course salad that also features grilled beef strips -- all presented on a bed of greens and dressed with a brightly flavored Asian dressing.
This inspired combination not only delights the eye and appetite, but equals a well-balanced meal. The beef provides protein, of course, but many people don’t realize that avocados supply nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. In addition, these rich-tasting fruits contain "good fats" -- the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated kinds that are considered good substitutes for foods high in saturated fat. Also worth noting: Avocados can help the body absorb higher levels of fat-soluble nutrients, such as beta-carotene, that might be found in other salad ingredients.
Avocado Citrus Dessert - Halve unpeeled avocados and remove seeds. Sprinkle avocados with lemon juice and fill cavity with grapefruit or orange segments. Add honey to taste and garnish with fresh mint. This can be served as a salad, too.
Avocado Dip - Peel and mash 1/2 a large avocado. Add a little onion juice, 1 crushed, peeled garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and a few drops of Tabasco. Mix in 3/4 cup of cottage cheese and chill.
Crabmeat Stuffed Avocados - Stuff avocado halves with canned or thawed frozen crabmeat. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over top. Put a dollop of mayonnaise on top of each and sprinkle with shredded hard cooked egg yolk. Serve with cooked green beans marinated in a little French dressing. Garnish with ripe olives and serve with additional French dressing, if desired. Makes 6 servings
Related: Avocado.org - Avocados- Fresh Fruit from California- Recipes, Nutrition, Healthy Diets, Beauty Tips and more.
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