Health Nut: All About Avocados
If you have ever ventured to Chipotle’s website, there happens to be a nutrition calculator to add up all the calories from whatever you order. I realize that this is probably something most people want to blissfully ignore. Anyways, one fine day I decided to calculate my usual meal. I was shocked to learn that the guacamole actually contributed most of the calories in my meal (since I’m a vegetarian, I skip the meat). I resolved never to eat another avocado again.
This was obviously back when I had no idea about anything. As it turns out, avocados are probably the one of the healthiest foods a person can ever have. It’s often said that a person should eat at least one avocado a day. Now I know what you all must be thinking—does this mean I should top all my salads with avocado or making guacamole all the time? No, it does not. I’d like to share my personal avocado recipe—it’s called avocado pasta! Don’t be discouraged, it tastes much better than it sounds. I have verbal proof. The secret to its deliciousness is Trader Joe’s South African Smoke Seasoning Blend, which has a smoky, spicy, and sour flavor to it.
Recipe for Avocado Pasta (Serves 1):
Ingredients
1 avocado
1 serving of pasta
½ small zucchini, chopped
¼ crown of broccoli, chopped
1 cup of white mushrooms, chopped
Trader Joe’s South African Smoke Seasoning Blend
Olive Oil
Salt
Directions
1. Start by boiling water; add pasta when ready.
2. Slice and pit an avocado; then, peel off the skin and mash it in a bowl.
3. To the mashed avocado, add the Smoke Seasoning and some salt.
4. Place some olive oil and Smoke Seasoning into a pan; turn up the heat. After 30 seconds, add the vegetables.
5. After the pasta is done boiling (usually 6-8 minutes), drain and pour it in the bowl with the mashed avocado. Mix thoroughly.
6. Place the sautéed vegetables on top, mix if desired.
7. Sprinkle some extra seasoning on, per your taste (I personally like a lot of the seasoning on my pasta).
8. Eat and enjoy!
For meat lovers out there, you can definitely add in chicken to the recipe. The proposed vegetables are also option—mix it up with whatever you like best! I hope this picture gives you an incentive to start this recipe right away.
-Vatsala Goyal