Avocado Crazy

Sri Lankan Avocado Crazy Recipe with Cream and Rum

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Avocado Crazy is a unique and delightful dessert that showcases the creamy texture and subtle flavors of avocados. This recipe transforms the humble avocado from a savory sidekick to the star of a sweet treat. It's a simple yet sophisticated dish that combines the rich, buttery taste of avocados with the sweetness of sugar and the luxuriousness of cream. Whether you're an avocado aficionado or looking for a novel dessert idea, Avocado Crazy is sure to impress.

History

The origins of Avocado Crazy can be traced back to the early 20th century when avocados began to gain popularity in the United States and Europe. Initially used in salads and savory dishes, creative cooks started experimenting with avocados in desserts by the mid-1900s. This recipe is a modern take on those early innovations, celebrating the versatility of avocados in the culinary world.

Ingredients

3 large, fully ripe avocados
caster sugar, to taste
1 cup of cream
dash of rum, optional

How to prepare

Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the seeds, setting them aside.
Scoop out the avocado pulp from the shells and mash it smoothly with a fork.
Add sugar to taste and stir in the cream.
Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl and place the reserved seeds back into the pulp.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled before serving.
The presence of the seeds in the puree helps prevent the avocado from discoloring, so ensure that the plastic wrap is in direct contact with the surface of the mixture.
If desired, you can pipe extra whipped and sweetened cream over the top of the dessert and use a few paper-thin slices of avocado (sliced just before serving and sprinkled with lemon juice) for decoration.
Note: While some prefer to use rum for flavoring, I recommend letting the delicate avocado flavor shine on its own.

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the cream with coconut cream and use a vegan-friendly sweetener instead of sugar. Adding a pinch of lime zest or swapping the rum for vanilla extract can introduce new flavors to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results for Avocado Crazy, select avocados that are fully ripe and have a buttery texture. The ripeness of the avocados is crucial for achieving the smooth, creamy consistency desired in this dessert. Additionally, chilling the dessert before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. If using rum, add it sparingly so as not to overpower the delicate flavor of the avocados.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Avocado Crazy chilled, garnished with whipped cream and thin slices of avocado. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a small amount of honey over the top and sprinkle with finely chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing Avocado Crazy is mashing the avocado to a smooth consistency. This can be achieved with a fork for a more rustic texture or with a blender for a silky-smooth finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If cream is not available or desired, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute. For a sugar-free version, consider using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.

Make Ahead Tips

Avocado Crazy can be made up to a day in advance. To prevent browning, ensure the plastic wrap is in direct contact with the surface of the dessert. The reserved avocado seeds can also help minimize discoloration.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Avocado Crazy in individual glasses layered with crushed nuts or cookie crumbs for added texture. Garnish with mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Avocado Crazy with a crisp, dry white wine or a sparkling water infused with citrus to complement the creaminess of the dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Avocado Crazy contains approximately 250 calories. The calories mainly come from the fats in the avocados and cream, with a smaller contribution from carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Avocado Crazy contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the natural sugars in the avocados and the added caster sugar. Adjusting the amount of sugar can modify the carbohydrate content to suit dietary needs.

Fats

Avocados are well-known for their healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. A serving of Avocado Crazy contains about 22 grams of fat, with the majority being these heart-healthy fats. The cream also contributes to the fat content, adding a touch of saturated fat to the dish.

Proteins

This dessert is not a significant source of protein, containing approximately 2 grams of protein per serving. The small amount of protein comes from the avocados and cream.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocado Crazy is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin E, potassium, and folate. These nutrients contribute to the overall health benefits of the dish, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream), which may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It is also important to note that avocados, while uncommon, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Summary

Avocado Crazy is a dessert that offers a good balance of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. While it is relatively high in calories and fats, these come from sources that are beneficial to health. It is low in protein and contains potential allergens such as dairy.

Summary

Avocado Crazy is a testament to the versatility of avocados, transforming them into a decadent dessert that's both delicious and nutritious. With its rich texture and subtle flavors, it's a sophisticated treat that's sure to delight any palate. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a unique dessert, Avocado Crazy is a perfect choice.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Avocado Crazy. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a vast collection of recipes that she had acquired from various places and people over the years.

One day, as I was helping her prepare dinner, she pulled out a faded piece of paper from her recipe box and handed it to me. "This is a special recipe that I learned from a friend many years ago," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's called Avocado Crazy, and I think you'll love it."

I looked down at the paper in my hands and read through the list of ingredients: ripe avocados, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of jalapeno for a spicy kick. It sounded like a fresh and flavorful dish, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

My grandmother patiently guided me through the steps of preparing the dish, showing me how to carefully dice the avocados and tomatoes, finely chop the red onions and cilantro, and squeeze the fresh lime juice over everything. As the vibrant colors and fragrant aromas filled the kitchen, I knew that this recipe was going to be something special.

Once everything was mixed together in a large bowl, my grandmother handed me a spoon and told me to taste it. The creamy texture of the avocados combined with the tangy lime juice and spicy jalapeno created a burst of flavor in my mouth that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I couldn't help but exclaim, "This is amazing! How did you learn to make this?"

My grandmother smiled and told me the story of how she had come across the recipe for Avocado Crazy. It was many years ago, when she was a young bride living in a small town in Mexico. One day, a neighbor had invited her over for a cooking lesson, and that's when she first tasted this delicious dish.

The neighbor, a warm and friendly woman with a talent for cooking, had taught my grandmother how to make Avocado Crazy from scratch. She had shared her secrets for picking the perfect avocados, how to balance the flavors with just the right amount of lime juice and jalapeno, and why it was important to let the dish marinate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

My grandmother had been so captivated by the recipe that she had asked for a copy, which she then treasured and passed down through the generations. It had become a family favorite, a dish that we would often make for special occasions and gatherings.

As I grew older and honed my cooking skills, I found myself making Avocado Crazy more and more often. I experimented with different variations, adding in extra ingredients like diced mango or grilled corn to give it a unique twist. Each time I made it, I could feel my grandmother's presence in the kitchen, guiding me with her gentle spirit and love for good food.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Avocado Crazy to my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been handed down to me. This simple yet delicious dish not only connects me to my grandmother and the memories we shared in the kitchen, but also to a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

So the next time you find yourself craving something fresh and flavorful, give Avocado Crazy a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing down this recipe to your own loved ones, sharing the joy and love that comes with a delicious homemade meal.