Charro Pasta with Avocado

Charro Pasta with Avocado Recipe - Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Charro Pasta with Avocado is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the richness of avocado with the tanginess of tomatoes and the heat of jalapeño peppers. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, which often features the use of fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, peppers, and avocados. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) red onion, diced
2 lb (907 g) red bell pepper, diced
0.75 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp + 1 tsp jalapeño pepper, finely chopped, or to taste
1 cup tequila (or substitute orange juice)
3 lb (1.36 kg) tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 cup chopped cilantro
0.5 cup chopped fresh oregano
2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
36 oz (1.02 kg) angel hair pasta
6 california avocados
3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

How to prepare

Sauté the onion and bell pepper in oil until they are soft, which should take about 5 minutes.
Mix in the garlic and jalapeño pepper, and sauté until they become aromatic, which should take about 2 minutes.
Deglaze the pan with tequila, and mix in the tomato, cilantro, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the mixture, covered, until the tomato releases its juices, which should take about 10 minutes. Then, set it aside.

For the pasta and vegetables and per plate

Cook 3 oz (85 g) of pasta in salted, boiling water until it is just tender, and then drain it.
Meanwhile, dice 0.5 avocado (about 2 oz (57 g) or 0.5 cup), and set it aside.
Heat 1 cup of the reserved cooked vegetables.
Stir in 1 oz (28 g) (0.25 cup) of cheese and the reserved, diced avocado.
Heat the mixture through, and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Stir the hot, drained pasta into the vegetable mixture, and toss it over medium-high heat.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute the feta cheese with queso fresco for a different flavor.
Add corn or black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta until it is just tender, as overcooked pasta can become mushy.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder dish, use less pepper.

- Make sure to season the dish with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Charro Pasta with Avocado with a side of fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are soft to enhance their flavors.

- Deglaze the pan with tequila for added depth of flavor.

- Simmer the tomato mixture to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use yellow or orange bell peppers instead of red bell peppers.

- Substitute parsley for cilantro if you prefer a milder flavor.

- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the pasta just before serving to ensure it is fresh and hot.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each plate of Charro Pasta with Avocado with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a slice of avocado for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Charro Pasta with Avocado with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Charro Pasta with Avocado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Charro Pasta with Avocado contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Charro Pasta with Avocado contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Charro Pasta with Avocado contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Charro Pasta with Avocado contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and avocados, as well as potassium from the avocados.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pasta). It may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Charro Pasta with Avocado is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Charro Pasta with Avocado is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful combination of ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer evening, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As we chatted and sipped on iced tea, she began to gather ingredients and prepare a dish that I had never heard of before - Charro Pasta with Avocado.

Maria had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had brought it with her from Mexico many years ago. The dish was a delicious blend of flavors and textures, with tender pasta, savory charro beans, creamy avocado, and a touch of spice from jalapenos. I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly cooked and plated the dish, her hands moving with a grace and skill that only comes from years of practice.

As she handed me a steaming bowl of the charro pasta, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of culinary delight. The flavors danced on my taste buds, each bite more delicious than the last. I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself, to share with my own family and friends.

Over the next few weeks, Maria kindly taught me the ins and outs of making Charro Pasta with Avocado. I learned how to cook the pasta just right, how to season the charro beans with a perfect balance of spices, and how to carefully slice and dice the ripe avocados. Maria's patience and guidance were invaluable as I stumbled and fumbled my way through the recipe, making mistakes and learning from them along the way.

But with each attempt, I grew more confident in my abilities. I discovered the joy of cooking - the way that a dish could bring people together, evoke memories of past meals shared with loved ones, and create new traditions for generations to come. And as I perfected the recipe for Charro Pasta with Avocado, I knew that I had found a new favorite in my collection of cherished recipes.

Years passed, and I continued to make the dish for my family and friends, each time adding my own twist or variation to the recipe. Sometimes I would add a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of citrus, or sprinkle on some crumbled queso fresco for a creamy finish. No matter how I chose to prepare it, the dish always brought smiles and satisfied bellies around the table.

One day, as I was cooking the Charro Pasta with Avocado for a family gathering, my granddaughter approached me with curious eyes. She had always been fascinated by my passion for cooking and the stories behind each recipe that I shared with her. And as I explained the history of the dish and how I had learned to make it from Maria, I saw a spark of inspiration ignite in her young heart.

"Grandma," she said, "I want to learn how to make Charro Pasta with Avocado, just like you did. Will you teach me?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at my granddaughter, so full of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. I knew that I had passed down a love for cooking and a connection to our family's culinary heritage to the next generation. And so, with a joyful heart, I took her hand and led her into the kitchen, where we embarked on a new journey of discovery and shared traditions.

As we cooked together, I watched my granddaughter's hands move with the same grace and skill that I had once admired in Maria. She listened intently as I explained each step of the recipe, and asked questions with a hunger for knowledge that mirrored my own. And when we finally sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor - a steaming bowl of Charro Pasta with Avocado - I knew that I had passed on not just a recipe, but a legacy of love, connection, and joy.

And so, dear reader, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to learn how to make Charro Pasta with Avocado, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. Through the guidance of my dear friend Maria, the love and support of my family, and the curiosity and passion of my granddaughter, I have discovered the true power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our hearts and souls as well.

So I encourage you, dear reader, to seek out new recipes, learn from those who came before you, and share the joy of cooking with those you love. For in the kitchen, as in life, we find not just sustenance, but connection, history, and the joy of creating something beautiful together. And who knows - perhaps you, too, will discover a new favorite recipe that will become a cherished tradition in your own family for years to come.