Learn how to make Avocado Mint Pesto from Prerna of Indian Simmer
“The most talented people are always the nicest.”
― James Caan
That really holds true for a very talented and gorgeous Prerna behind equally gorgeous blog Indian Simmer. As her food simmers on a stove, she takes you on a beautiful food journey with stunning food photographs and heart-warming anecdotes. Through her lens she magically transforms everyday food into the most beautiful, exotic and exciting visual experience. If you enjoy good writing which makes you walk down the memory lane and nostalgic, then Prerna’s blog is sure to win your heart! Thank you dear Prerna for taking time from your busy schedule to do a guest post. Please make sure to follow her on Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram if you do not want to miss any amazing posts that Prerna churns out!
Thank you Sia for sharing your beautiful space with me today. Monsoon Spice was one of the few Indian food blogs which I literally grew up following as a food blogger so you can imagine my excitement today when I get to share my work on the space.
After moving to the US, I got introduced to several new cuisines and flavors. While I immediately fell in love with some, there were a few that I just repelled. I can't believe I am saying this today, but the taste of avocado was one of them. From its confusing texture, to the smell and taste, there was nothing about this fruit that impressed me. I gave it a few tries but then made peace with the fact that this fruit is just not for me.
Then, just like with every winter holiday, we went on a vacation as a family. This time it was a week spent in Mexico. The week that turned out to be one of the most delicious weeks ever. Apart from the breathtakingly gorgeous surroundings and the colorful Mexican culture, it was mainly the food that blew our mind. When on a vacation, we try to experience the cuisine through street food and hole-in-the-wall kind of places. It was at one such roadside vendor that we tried fish tacos. Fresh caught fish in the morning turned into mouth watering tacos by noon. Wrapped in warm handmade tortillas, topped with simple guacamole and a light squirt of lemon juice and you're set. This was when I, really for the first time, enjoyed avocado and then there was no looking back. Now avocado is one of the must haves on my kitchen counter.
Today I tried to mix avocado with some of my other favorites and turned it into a healthy dinner. A very simple and healthy pesto but loaded with robust flavors. Earthiness from mint and pistachios, a zing from lemon juice, creaminess with avocados and topping it all off with loads of parmesan. This is my go to dish for weeknight family dinners. Hope you like it too.
Avocado Mint Pesto
Ingredients:
2 avocados
3-4 cloves garlic
2 cups mint leaves
1/3 cup pistachio
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Juice of one lemon +zest
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan
Method:
- Bring all ingredients together into a food processor.
- Blend on medium speed until form a smooth paste.
- Mix with your favorite variety of pasta, spread on slices of baguette or serve as a dip with chips or veggies.
Wow, that looks delicious! Incidentally, avocados are getting popular now here in Nepal. It's a pretty new thing -- they really weren't found here a few years back -- but now I can even get them in the stalls in the veggie bazaar on my corner. A lot of people say they like the "buttery" flavor and put them in sandwiches. We've even planted a tree at my in-laws' farm, so I'll see how that goes! This recipe looks both tasty and doable; genuine parmesan cheese is a "specialty" thing so that's a stretch, but I can think of one artisan who makes it, so that'll work. Otherwise, we'd have all the ingredients! Except something fancy and high-tech like a food processor :-)
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to make it. It looks so refreshing and creamy. I love anything with avocado. Thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeleteAmazing pic details. Love your work!
ReplyDeletePrerna, I know I am way too late to thank you for your generous gesture and the wonderful guest post! My life has become so busy in the past few weeks that I feel soon I might forget my own name while juggling with hundred and one thing at the same time :) My sincere thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to share the recipe with beautiful photographs in my virtual kitchen at the time when I am finding it difficult to even cook a decent meal for my family. Your post is a real inspiration for me to take control of our lives and find joy in simple things of life. so, thanks my friend!
ReplyDeleteHi Sia, Just starting reading your blog recently, as I am trying to figure what to feed my very fussy 16 month old son. Have tried one or two recipes and have loved them so far......will continue to try newer recipes...thanks!
ReplyDeleteCame over from Indian Simmer. Lovely blog you have and hope you settle down well in India. It is a brave decision you have made.
ReplyDeleteAwesome recipe, nice photos. i would love to try it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing! I also wanted to try some version of avocado pasta!
ReplyDelete