Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados

Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados Recipe | Authentic Cuban Cuisine

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados are a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the savory flavors of cooked meat and mayonnaise. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and is sure to impress your guests with its unique presentation.

History

Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados have been a popular dish in Cuban cuisine for many years. The combination of avocados, cooked meat, and mayonnaise is a classic flavor profile that is loved by many. This dish is often served as an appetizer or light meal, and is a great way to showcase the fresh flavors of avocados.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) cooked lobster meat
0.5 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp salt
4 small avocados
0.25 tsp paprika
0.25 tsp black pepper
8 green olives
4 canned red pimentos

How to prepare

Cut the avocados in half and carefully peel them.
In a bowl, mix together vinegar, oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the avocados in the mixture and place them in the refrigerator.
Cut the lobster into small cubes and mix well with mayonnaise.
Fill the avocado halves with the lobster mixture and decorate with pimentos.
Serve the dish cold over lettuce leaves.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the cooked meat with grilled vegetables or tofu.
You can also add diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to the lobster mixture for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to choose ripe avocados for this recipe, as they will be easier to peel and will have a creamier texture.

- Marinating the avocados in the vinegar and oil mixture helps to enhance their flavor and adds a tangy kick to the dish.

- When filling the avocado halves with the lobster mixture, be sure to pack it in tightly to ensure that each bite is full of flavor.

- Garnish the stuffed avocados with green olives and pimentos for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados can be served as a light lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side salad or some crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before mixing it with the mayonnaise to ensure food safety.

- When marinating the avocados, be sure to coat them evenly with the vinegar and oil mixture for maximum flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lobster, you can use cooked chicken or shrimp instead.

- You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lobster mixture and marinate the avocados ahead of time, then assemble the dish just before serving for maximum freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with green olives and pimentos for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados pair well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing mojito.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the stuffed avocados in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (lobster) and eggs (mayonnaise), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados are a rich source of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. They make for a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light meal or appetizer. With their creamy texture and savory flavors, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Havana, Cuba. My grandmother, Abuela Rosa, was a fantastic cook and she always encouraged me to help her in the kitchen. One day, she invited me to join her as she prepared a special meal for our family.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Abuela Rosa showed me how to carefully slice open ripe avocados and remove the pit. She then scooped out the flesh and placed it in a bowl, while explaining that the avocado would serve as the perfect vessel for a delicious mixture of shrimp, vegetables, and spices.

Abuela Rosa had learned the recipe for Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me that this dish was a favorite in our family, and that it was a traditional Cuban recipe that had been enjoyed for many years.

As we continued to cook together, Abuela Rosa shared stories of her own childhood and the many meals that she had enjoyed with her family. She told me about the time her grandmother had taught her how to make the perfect sofrito, a mixture of onions, garlic, and bell peppers that would serve as the base for many Cuban dishes.

I watched in awe as Abuela Rosa expertly sautéed the shrimp and vegetables, adding a blend of spices that filled the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma. She then mixed the cooked ingredients with the avocado flesh, creating a colorful and flavorful filling that she carefully spooned back into the avocado shells.

As she placed the stuffed avocados on a serving platter, Abuela Rosa explained that this dish was not only delicious, but also healthy and nutritious. She told me that avocados were full of vitamins and antioxidants, and that the shrimp and vegetables provided a good source of protein and fiber.

When our family gathered around the table to enjoy the meal, I watched as everyone eagerly dug into the Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados. The creamy texture of the avocado paired perfectly with the savory filling, creating a dish that was both satisfying and comforting.

As I grew older, I continued to make Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados for my own family, using the recipe that Abuela Rosa had taught me. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twist to the dish by incorporating ingredients such as black beans, corn, and crispy bacon.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about the delicious flavors and unique presentation of the dish. I have passed down the recipe to my own children, who now enjoy making Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados for their own families.

As I look back on that day in the kitchen with Abuela Rosa, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that she shared with me. The recipe for Cuban-style Stuffed Avocados will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and passion that my grandmother poured into her cooking, and the joy that she brought to our family through her delicious meals.