Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup

Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup is a modern twist on traditional fries, offering a creamy, rich texture inside with a crispy, flavorful coating outside. This dish pairs the buttery taste of avocado with the smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle ketchup, creating a unique appetizer or snack that's sure to impress. Perfect for those looking to explore new culinary territories, this recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for a truly memorable eating experience.

History

The concept of avocado fries is relatively new, emerging as avocados gained popularity worldwide for their health benefits and versatility. The idea of pairing them with chipotle ketchup likely originated from the fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, where the creamy texture of avocados and the fiery taste of chipotle peppers are staples. This recipe represents a culinary innovation that respects the origins of its main ingredients while offering a novel way to enjoy them.

Ingredients

oil for frying
2 california avocados (just beginning to ripen)
1 cup flour
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
2 eggs
0.5 cup milk
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, diced
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
4 roma tomatoes, chopped
0.5 tsp chinese five-spice powder
0.25 cup cider vinegar
0.5 cup light brown sugar

How to prepare

To make ketchup, heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté onion and garlic for 6 minutes.
Add chipotle pepper and tomatoes, and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
Add spices, vinegar, and brown sugar, and simmer for 8 minutes.
Puree the mixture in a food processor and add salt to taste.
Heat oil to 350°F (177°C) in a deep fryer.
Cut the avocado in half, remove the seed, and quarter each half. Gently peel the skin away.
In a flat bowl, combine flour, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Place panko in another flat bowl.
Lightly beat eggs and milk together, and place in yet another flat bowl.
Dredge avocado slices in flour, then dip them in the egg mixture, and coat with panko.
Deep fry the avocado slices until they turn golden brown.
Remove the fried avocado slices from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
Serve the fried avocado slices with chipotle ketchup.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. To add a crunchier texture, consider adding crushed nuts or seeds to the breadcrumb mixture. For those who prefer less heat, adjust the amount of chipotle pepper in the ketchup to taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results, choose avocados that are just beginning to ripen. They should be firm enough to hold their shape when fried but soft enough to provide a creamy texture. When coating the avocado slices, press the breadcrumbs onto them to ensure they adhere well, which helps achieve a crispy exterior. Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial; too hot, and the coating will burn before the inside is warm, too cool, and the avocado will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Avocado Fries hot with the Chipotle Ketchup on the side for dipping. They make an excellent appetizer or side dish. For a complete meal, pair them with a protein source like grilled chicken or fish and a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying provides the crispiest texture, but for a healthier option, baking or air frying are excellent alternatives. To bake, place the coated avocado slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Air frying achieves a similar result with less oil.

Ingredient Substitutions

If avocados are not available, firm tofu or green tomatoes can be used as substitutes. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk alternative. If chipotle peppers are too spicy, smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor without the heat.

Make Ahead Tips

The chipotle ketchup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The avocado slices can be coated and then frozen on a baking sheet before being transferred to a freezer bag, allowing you to fry or bake them directly from frozen.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fries in a paper cone or on a platter with a bowl of chipotle ketchup for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup pair well with light, crisp beers or a citrusy white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, a lime-infused sparkling water complements the flavors nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness. It's not recommended to microwave them, as they will become soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup contains approximately 400 calories. The calories mainly come from the avocados and the frying process. For a lighter version, consider baking the coated avocado slices instead of frying.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority comes from the flour and breadcrumbs used in the coating and the sugar in the ketchup. Opting for whole wheat breadcrumbs or flour can increase the fiber content, making it a more balanced option.

Fats

Avocados are known for their healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. A serving of this dish contains about 22 grams of fat, with a significant portion coming from the avocado itself. The frying process does add some saturated fat, but using a high-quality oil such as olive or avocado oil can help keep it in check.

Proteins

This recipe provides about 6 grams of protein per serving, coming from the eggs and a small amount from the avocados and breadcrumbs. For a higher protein content, consider serving the fries with a protein-rich dipping sauce or alongside a lean protein source.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup are an excellent source of vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, thanks to the avocados. They also provide minerals such as magnesium and potassium. The tomatoes in the ketchup contribute lycopene, an antioxidant with numerous health benefits.

Alergens

This recipe contains potential allergens such as eggs, wheat (from flour and breadcrumbs), and milk. For those with allergies, egg substitutes, gluten-free flour, and breadcrumbs, along with plant-based milk, can be used to adapt the recipe.

Summary

Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup offer a balance of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, with a moderate amount of protein and carbohydrates. While not the lowest in calories due to the frying process, they can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup is a delightful dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with a crispy coating and a spicy, tangy ketchup. With its balance of flavors and textures, it's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, it's sure to be a hit with those who try it.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ketchup. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was always experimenting with new and exciting recipes, and on this particular day, she had a surprise in store for me.

As I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of frying avocados and spicy chipotle ketchup. Maria had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a plate of golden-brown avocado fries. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The creamy avocado paired perfectly with the crispy coating and the smoky, spicy ketchup.

"Maria, this is incredible! Where did you come up with this recipe?" I exclaimed, my mouth still full of deliciousness.

Maria chuckled and poured me a glass of iced tea before settling down at the table with me. "Well, my dear friend, I have a little confession to make," she began, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I actually learned this recipe from a food truck owner I met on my travels to Mexico."

I was stunned. Maria had always been full of surprises, but this one took the cake. She went on to tell me about her adventures in Mexico, where she had stumbled upon a food truck selling the most delectable avocado fries she had ever tasted. The owner, a friendly man named Carlos, had been kind enough to share his recipe with her, and she had been perfecting it ever since.

I was captivated by her story and begged her to teach me how to make the avocado fries. Maria was more than happy to oblige, and together we spent the afternoon slicing avocados, dredging them in a flavorful coating, and frying them to crispy perfection. The chipotle ketchup was a revelation, with its smoky heat complementing the creamy avocado fries perfectly.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Maria shared with me the importance of passing down recipes from generation to generation. She explained how food has the power to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that last a lifetime. I was touched by her words, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made these avocado fries countless times, always thinking of Maria and the magical day we spent in her kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all been delighted by the unexpected combination of flavors and textures. Each time I make them, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen, where I first fell in love with avocado fries with chipotle ketchup.

As I sit here now, with a plate of crispy avocado fries in front of me, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful people and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking. I may have learned this recipe from Maria, but it is now a part of me, a reflection of my own journey through the world of food and flavors.

So here's to Maria, to Carlos, and to all the other culinary adventurers who have inspired me along the way. And here's to avocado fries with chipotle ketchup, a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart and on my table. Cheers to good food, good friends, and good memories. And may the joy of cooking continue to bring us together, one delicious bite at a time.