Pastina - stuffed Avocado
Pastina - Stuffed Avocado Recipe from Italy with Saffron and Chicken Stock
Introduction
This recipe for Pastina-stuffed Avocado is a unique and flavorful dish that combines creamy avocado with saffron-infused pastina. It is a perfect option for a light lunch or a refreshing first course for dinner.
History
The combination of saffron and avocado is a popular one in El Salvador, where saffron rice is often served with avocado. This recipe puts a twist on that classic dish by using pastina instead of rice or couscous.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm avocados
- 0.5 tsp saffron threads
- 1 cup pastina (6 oz or 170 g)
- 2 cups chicken stock (480 ml)
- 2 fresh tomatoes, skinned, seeded, and chopped
- 2 tbsp diced onion
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced in thin rounds
- salt and pepper
- 0.5 cup vinaigrette (120 ml)
How to prepare
- In El Salvador, saffron rice is often served with avocado. In this recipe, I use pastina as an alternative to both rice and couscous. The pastina is cooked in chicken stock with diced onion and steeped saffron. After cooking, drain the pastina and mix it well with the remaining ingredients. Stuff the avocado halves with the mixture. This dish can be served as a main course for lunch or as a first course for dinner.
- To prepare the saffron, heat 0.25 cup of chicken stock and steep the saffron threads in it for 20 minutes. Then, proceed with cooking the pastina as mentioned above.
- Feel free to use your favorite vinaigrette in this recipe.
Variations
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken to the pastina mixture for added protein.
- Top the stuffed avocados with crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use ripe but firm avocados for this recipe to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Steeping the saffron threads in warm chicken stock helps to release their flavor and color.
- Feel free to customize the vinaigrette used in this recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a main course for lunch or as a first course for dinner. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the pastina until al dente to ensure a nice texture in the final dish.
- Carefully scoop out the avocado flesh to create a well for the pastina mixture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Substitute quinoa or couscous for the pastina if desired.
Make Ahead Tips
The pastina mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply stuff the avocados just before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the stuffed avocados with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Pastina-stuffed Avocado dish contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, with each serving of this dish providing around 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
This recipe offers a moderate amount of protein, with each serving containing about 6 grams.
Vitamins and minerals
Avocados are rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin K, and folate.
Alergens
This recipe contains chicken stock, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.
Summary
Overall, this Pastina-stuffed Avocado dish is a balanced and nutritious option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
This Pastina-stuffed Avocado recipe is a delicious and nutritious option that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, it is a perfect dish for any occasion.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Pastina-stuffed Avocado. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria at her countryside home. Maria was always a wonderful cook, and she had a way of making even the simplest ingredients shine.
As we sat in her sunny kitchen, sipping on homemade lemonade, she suddenly jumped up and said, "I have the perfect recipe to share with you today!" She rummaged through her old recipe box and pulled out a yellowed piece of paper with faded handwriting.
"This is my grandmother's recipe for Pastina-stuffed Avocado," Maria explained. "It's a family favorite and I think you will love it."
I watched as Maria carefully read through the recipe, explaining each step in detail. The combination of creamy avocado and flavorful pastina sounded like a match made in heaven. I couldn't wait to try it for myself.
Maria showed me how to carefully scoop out the flesh of the avocado, leaving a nice hollow space for the pastina filling. She then cooked the pastina until it was al dente, adding herbs and spices to give it a delicious flavor. Once the pastina was ready, she stuffed it into the avocado halves, topping them with a sprinkle of cheese before baking them in the oven until golden and bubbly.
As we sat down to enjoy our meal, the rich aroma of melted cheese and herbs filled the kitchen. The first bite was a revelation - the creamy avocado paired perfectly with the savory pastina, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.
I was instantly hooked on this recipe, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria was kind enough to write down the recipe for me, and I promised to carry on the tradition of making Pastina-stuffed Avocado for my own family.
Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own twist to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the unique combination of flavors.
As I think back on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me joy and comfort in times of celebration and sorrow, and it has become a beloved tradition in my own home.
I often think of Maria and her grandmother when I make this dish, feeling a connection to the past and the generations of women who have passed down their culinary wisdom. I am grateful for the friendships and memories that this recipe has brought into my life, and I look forward to sharing it with future generations to come.
Categories
| Avocado Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Couscous Recipes | Italian Recipes | Rice Recipes | Saffron Recipes | Salvadorian Meat Dishes | Salvadorian Recipes |