Avocado, the creamy green fruit that many love, has long won over food and wellness enthusiasts. Not only is it delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients like vitamins E, K, and B6, as well as fiber and heart-healthy fats. However, few people know that there’s a secret method that unlocks even more of this superfood’s benefits: cooking it! Yes, you heard right. Put an avocado on the stove, and the results will be surprising.
Why cook an avocado?
Traditionally, we’re used to eating raw avocado in salads, toast, or even in the famous guacamole. However, few people risk cooking it, for fear of losing its creamy texture or altering its taste. However, cooking avocado offers benefits you might not have suspected:
Improved digestion: Cooking avocado makes some of its fibers more easily digestible, which can be beneficial for people with digestive disorders.
Reduced bitterness: Some varieties of avocado can have a slight bitterness when raw. By cooking them, you soften their taste, making the experience even more pleasant.
More bioavailable nutrients: Heat allows some of the beneficial compounds in avocado, such as antioxidants, to become more accessible and therefore better absorbed by your body.
New textures: Cooking transforms the texture of the avocado, which becomes slightly firmer and more pleasant in certain culinary preparations such as gratins or soups.
How to cook an avocado?
Now that you are convinced of the benefits of cooking avocado, let’s get down to business. Here’s a simple method to try this trick at home:
Ingredients
1 ripe but firm avocado
A pinch of salt
A drizzle of olive oil or butter (optional)
Spices of your choice (paprika, cumin, herbes de Provence)
Steps
Prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. You can also remove the skin if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.
Season: Sprinkle a little salt and spices over the avocado halves. If you like, add a drizzle of olive oil or a small knob of butter on top.
Grill or sauté: Place the avocado halves, flesh side down, on a hot pan. Cook over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the flesh begins to caramelize slightly. Alternatively, you can grill the avocado in the oven for about 5 minutes at 200°C.
Serve: Serve cooked avocado as a side dish or as a topping for dishes like fish, rice, or vegetables. You can also add it to hot dishes like burritos or warm salads.
Recipes to try with cooked avocado
Grilled stuffed avocado: After grilling the avocado, stuff it with a mixture of quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese for a complete and filling meal.
Roasted avocado soup: Add pieces of grilled avocado to a zucchini or tomato soup for a creamy and savory twist.
Grilled avocado toast: For a twist on the famous avocado toast, grill your avocado before placing it on toasted whole-wheat bread, then add poached eggs for an even more delicious treat.
Conclusion
Avocado is a true health treasure, and cooking it allows you to explore a new dimension of flavors and benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve digestion, sweeten its flavor, or discover new and creative ways to incorporate it into your meals, cooked avocado is a delicious and surprising option. So, the next time you have some ripe avocados on hand, don’t hesitate to put them on the stove and enjoy this magical trick that everyone will soon adopt!
