Israeli Avocado Dip

Israeli Avocado Dip Recipe | Delicious and Healthy Appetizer

Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 75-85 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Israeli Avocado Dip is a creamy and flavorful dip that is perfect for serving with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. This dip is made with ripe avocados, lemon juice, garlic, and a few other simple ingredients. It is a popular dish in Israeli cuisine and is often served as an appetizer or snack.

History

Israeli Avocado Dip, also known as "guacamole," has its origins in Mexican cuisine. However, the Israeli version of this dip often includes additional ingredients such as tahini, parsley, and cumin. This unique twist on the classic guacamole recipe gives the dip a distinct flavor that is loved by many.

Ingredients

4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup cooking oil
0.25 cup fresh orange juice
3 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups cooking apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1.5 tsp powdered cinnamon
3 tsp granulated sugar
powdered sugar for dusting

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, 2 cups of sugar, oil, juice, and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed for 10 minutes.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend it into the egg mixture, stirring in the walnuts.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a bundt pan and pour in about a third of the batter.
Layer the top with half of the apples. Sprinkle the top with 1 tsp of the remaining sugar and 0.5 tsp of cinnamon.
Pour another third of the batter on top and cover with the remaining apples. Sprinkle the top with the rest of the sugar and cinnamon.
Cover with the remaining third of the batter.
Bake until done (75 to 85 minutes).
Remove from the oven and immediately dust with powdered sugar.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dip. You can also customize the flavor by adding ingredients such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Israeli Avocado Dip, be sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. To ripen avocados quickly, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple and leave them at room temperature for a day or two. Additionally, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning of the dip before serving, as the flavors can vary depending on the ripeness of the avocados.

Serving Suggestions

Israeli Avocado Dip can be served with pita bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables such as cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

To make Israeli Avocado Dip, simply mash ripe avocados with a fork until smooth. Add lemon juice, minced garlic, tahini, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and adjust the seasoning as needed. For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender until creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy texture. You can also omit the tahini altogether and simply use avocado, lemon juice, and garlic for a basic guacamole-style dip.

Make Ahead Tips

Israeli Avocado Dip can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover the dip with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent browning. Stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make Israeli Avocado Dip look more visually appealing, garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Serve the dip in a decorative bowl or hollowed-out avocado shell for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Israeli Avocado Dip pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, salads, and sandwiches. It also complements Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, such as hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, and kebabs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Israeli Avocado Dip should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, cover the dip with plastic wrap or parchment paper and press it directly onto the surface of the dip. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze the dip, as avocados can become mushy when thawed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Israeli Avocado Dip contains approximately 150 calories. This dip is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option for snacking or as part of a meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Israeli Avocado Dip contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Israeli Avocado Dip is a rich source of healthy fats, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams of fat. Avocados are high in monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Proteins

Each serving of Israeli Avocado Dip contains approximately 2 grams of protein. While this dip is not a significant source of protein, it can be paired with other protein-rich foods such as grilled chicken or tofu to create a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Israeli Avocado Dip is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. Avocados are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Alergens

Israeli Avocado Dip contains tree nuts (if using tahini) and garlic. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to omit them from the recipe or choose a suitable alternative.

Summary

Israeli Avocado Dip is a nutritious and delicious dip that is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet and can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Summary

Israeli Avocado Dip is a delicious and nutritious dip that is easy to make and versatile to serve. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, this dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a healthy snack option. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a sunny afternoon in Tel Aviv, and I was wandering through the bustling streets of the Carmel Market. The air was filled with the tantalizing scents of spices, fresh produce, and sizzling street food. As I meandered through the colorful stalls, my eyes fell upon a small, unassuming stand where a friendly older woman was selling fresh avocados.

Intrigued by the vibrant green fruit, I struck up a conversation with the woman, who introduced herself as Miriam. She told me that she had been making a traditional Israeli avocado dip for her family for generations, and she graciously offered to share the recipe with me.

I eagerly accepted her offer, and we quickly became engrossed in conversation as she explained the simple yet delicious ingredients that went into the dip. Fresh avocados, ripe tomatoes, tangy lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and a generous sprinkle of sea salt were all that was needed to create this flavorful dish.

Miriam also shared with me the history behind the recipe, telling me that avocado dip had become a staple in Israeli cuisine due to the abundance of avocados grown in the region. She recounted fond memories of making the dip with her own grandmother as a young girl, and how it had become a beloved family tradition.

As I listened to Miriam's stories and watched her deftly prepare the dip, I felt a sense of connection to the rich culinary heritage of Israel. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished addition to my own repertoire of dishes, and I thanked Miriam profusely for sharing her knowledge with me.

After bidding Miriam farewell and purchasing a few avocados to take home, I eagerly returned to my kitchen to recreate the Israeli avocado dip. As I mashed the creamy avocados with a fork and mixed in the other ingredients, the familiar scents of lemon and garlic filled the air, transporting me back to the bustling streets of Tel Aviv.

When I finally took a bite of the finished dip, I was instantly transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The creamy texture of the avocado was perfectly complemented by the zesty flavors of the lemon and garlic, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that danced on my taste buds.

I couldn't wait to share this delicious recipe with my family and friends, knowing that it would become a cherished favorite for years to come. As I sat down to enjoy my homemade Israeli avocado dip, I reflected on the serendipitous encounter with Miriam in the Carmel Market and marveled at the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

And so, the recipe for Israeli avocado dip became a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the day I discovered a taste of Israel in the heart of Tel Aviv. It is a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a symbol of the enduring bond between food, family, and tradition.