🥑🍈🌶️ Avocado With Lime and Chilies 🥑🍈🌶️
Avocado with lime and chilies is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the creamy goodness of avocados with the zesty tang of lime and a kick of spice from chilies. It’s a popular dish in many Mexican and Latin American cuisines. Here’s a breakdown of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time.
📜 History:
Avocado, lime, and chilies have been staples in Mexican cuisine for centuries. These ingredients were used by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. The Aztecs even believed that avocados had aphrodisiac properties, which is why they called them “ahuacatl,” meaning testicle. The combination of avocados with lime and chilies likely emerged over time as people experimented with different flavors and ingredients.
🍽️ Components:
- Ripe avocados
- Fresh limes
- Chilies (you can use serrano, jalapeño, or your preferred variety)
- Salt to taste
- Optional additions can include chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or red onion for added flavor and texture.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Select Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are ripe but not overripe. They should give slightly when gently squeezed.
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Cut and Peel Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
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Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the avocado. The amount of lime juice can vary depending on your taste, but start with the juice of one lime for two avocados. The acidity of the lime enhances the flavor and prevents the avocados from browning.
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Chop Chilies: Finely chop the chilies. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Remember to wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling chilies, as they can be very spicy.
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Mix and Mash: Gently mash the avocados while incorporating the lime juice and chilies. You can use a fork, potato masher, or a molcajete (a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle) for a chunkier texture.
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Season with Salt: Add salt to taste. Start with a pinch, and then adjust as needed. Mix well.
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Customize: If you like, you can add additional ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or red onion for more flavor and texture.
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Serve: Transfer your avocado mixture to a serving dish and garnish with extra lime slices or cilantro. You can serve it with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a side dish for various meals.
⏱️ Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare avocado with lime and chilies can vary depending on your chopping and mashing skills. On average, it takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful and vibrant dish that combines the creaminess of avocados with the zing of lime and the heat of chilies. It’s a perfect addition to any Mexican-inspired meal or a tasty snack with tortilla chips. Enjoy! 🥑🍈🌶️😋
Certainly! Here’s the nutrition facts and health information for Avocado with Lime and Chilies:
🥑 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Sodium: 0-5mg (depending on salt added)
- Carbohydrates: 6-10g
- Dietary Fiber: 5-7g
- Sugars: 1-2g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Vitamin C: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Potassium: 350-400mg
🌱 Health Information:
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Healthy Fats: Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
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Fiber: Avocados are a good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Avocados are packed with vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
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Antioxidants: The lime in this dish provides vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
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Chilies: Chilies, such as serrano or jalapeño, contain capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties.
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Low in Sugar: This dish is naturally low in sugars, making it suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
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Gluten-Free: Avocado with lime and chilies is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
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Customization: You can customize this dish with additional ingredients like tomatoes and cilantro for added vitamins and flavors.
Remember that the exact nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients and portions used. Additionally, while avocados are nutritious, they are calorie-dense, so be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Overall, avocado with lime and chilies is a nutritious and delicious option that provides healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients to support a balanced diet. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a well-rounded meal or snack.
