10 Unique And Creative Ways To Use Avocados

Avocado, which is called the butter fruit in India, is a very healthy fruit that can be eaten in its fresh form and contains a buttery taste. Believed to have been grown in Central America, avocados have penetrated most of the countries’ local diets and are appreciated due to the numerous nutrients in them and flexibility in terms of how they are prepared for consumption. India has spicy cuisine with bold flavours and contrasting tastes, so avocados can easily fit into the traditional meal and be helpful in the process.

Avocados are incredibly versatile and can be creatively incorporated into various Indian dishes. From adding creaminess to curries and dals to creating unique variations of traditional recipes, avocados bring a wealth of flavour and nutritional benefits to your meals. By exploring these unique and innovative ways to use avocados, you can enhance your culinary repertoire and enjoy the best of this delicious fruit in Indian cuisine.

1. Avocado Raita

Raita is a cooling yoghurt-based side dish that complements spicy Indian meals. Adding avocado to raita not only enhances its creamy texture but also imparts a subtle, buttery flavour that pairs beautifully with the tangy yoghurt and fresh herbs.

How To Make

To prepare avocado raita, start with a thick, fresh yoghurt. Add mashed avocado, finely chopped cucumbers, and a sprinkle of cumin powder. You can also add finely chopped green chillies for a hint of spice. Mix everything well and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a few pomegranate seeds for a burst of colour and flavour. This avocado raita makes a perfect accompaniment to biryanis, pulaos, or any spicy Indian curry.

The creamy texture of the avocado complements the yoghurt, making this raita richer and more filling. It’s also a great way to add healthy fats to your meal, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

2. Avocado Dosa

Dosa, a popular South Indian crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, can be given a nutritional boost with the addition of avocados. Avocado dosa combines the traditional dosa's crispiness with the creamy goodness of avocados, resulting in a delightful fusion dish.

How To Make

To make avocado dosa, start by preparing the traditional dosa batter. Blend ripe avocados with a bit of water until smooth, and stir this mixture into the dosa batter. Cook the dosa on a hot griddle until golden and crispy. Serve with coconut chutney and sambar for a delicious and wholesome meal.

The avocado not only adds a creamy texture but also enhances the dosa’s nutritional profile with healthy fats and fibre. This variation provides a unique twist to the classic dosa, making it more filling and nutritious.

3. Avocado Chutney

Chutneys are an integral part of Indian cuisine, adding a burst of flavour to any meal. Avocado chutney is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that pairs wonderfully with snacks like idlis, vadas, or even as a spread for sandwiches.

How To Make

Blend ripe avocados with fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chillies, lemon juice, and a bit of salt. For added depth of flavour, you can also include roasted peanuts or coconut. Blend until smooth and adjust the seasoning as needed. This chutney is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Avocado chutney provides a creamy alternative to traditional coconut or mint chutneys, offering a unique texture and flavour. It’s a great way to introduce avocados into your diet, especially for those who enjoy Indian condiments.

Also Read: 10 Delicious Avocado Breakfast Recipes 

4. Avocado And Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka, a popular Indian appetiser made from marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and vegetables, can be elevated with the addition of avocado. Avocado adds a creamy layer to the tikka, balancing the spices and enhancing the overall flavour.

How To Make

Prepare a marinade using yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala, and turmeric. Cube the paneer and toss it in the marinade along with diced bell peppers and onions. Blend avocados until smooth and gently fold this into the marinated mixture. Skewer the paneer and vegetables, and grill or bake until lightly charred. Serve with mint chutney and lemon wedges.

The avocado adds a creamy richness to the paneer tikka, making it more indulgent and flavourful. This dish combines the health benefits of avocados with the protein and taste of paneer, making it a perfect starter for any meal.

5. Avocado Paratha

Parathas are versatile Indian flatbreads often stuffed with various fillings. Avocado parathas are a unique twist on this classic dish, where mashed avocado is kneaded into the dough, resulting in soft, flavourful, and nutritious parathas.

How To Make

In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour with mashed avocados, salt, cumin seeds, and a little water to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough into flatbreads and cook on a hot griddle with a bit of ghee or oil until golden brown. Serve hot with yoghurt, pickle, or a side of your choice.

Avocado parathas are not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate healthy fats into your diet. The avocados make the parathas soft and give them a distinct flavour that pairs well with a variety of Indian dishes.

6. Avocado And Spinach Khichdi

Khichdi, a comforting and nutritious dish made from rice and lentils, can be enriched with the addition of avocados and spinach. This combination creates a creamy and flavourful khichdi that is both hearty and wholesome.

How To Make

Cook rice and lentils together with turmeric and salt until soft. In a separate pan, sauté cumin seeds, chopped onions, and spinach until wilted. Mash a ripe avocado and stir it into the cooked rice and lentil mixture along with the sautéed spinach. Adjust the seasoning and serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

The avocado adds creaminess to the khichdi, making it more satisfying without the need for additional ghee or butter. Spinach boosts the nutritional content, providing a dose of vitamins and minerals. This dish is perfect for a light, nourishing meal.

7. Avocado And Tomato Upma

Upma, a savoury South Indian dish made from semolina, can be enhanced with the addition of avocados and tomatoes. This avocado and tomato upma offers a refreshing twist on the traditional recipe, adding a creamy texture and a burst of flavour.

How To Make

In a pan, dry roast semolina until lightly golden. Set aside. In the same pan, heat oil and sauté mustard seeds, urad dal, chopped onions, and tomatoes. Once the tomatoes are soft, add water and bring to a boil. Stir in the roasted semolina and cook until it absorbs the liquid and thickens. Stir in mashed avocado and cook for a few more minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Avocado adds a unique creaminess to the upma, making it richer and more filling. The tomatoes provide a tangy contrast, and the combination of flavours makes this dish a delightful breakfast or snack option.

8. Avocado And Lentil Curry

Lentil curry, or dal, is a staple in Indian cuisine. Adding avocado to the curry brings a velvety texture and enhances the flavour, creating a delicious and nutritious dish.

How To Make

Cook your choice of lentils with turmeric and salt until tender. In a separate pan, sauté cumin seeds, chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Add the cooked lentils and simmer until well combined. Stir in mashed avocado and cook for a few more minutes. Adjust the seasoning and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve with rice or rotis.

The addition of avocado makes the lentil curry creamier and more satisfying. This dish combines the protein and fibre from the lentils with the healthy fats from the avocado, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

9. Avocado Pulao

Pulao, a fragrant rice dish cooked with vegetables and spices, can be given a unique twist with avocados. Avocado pulao is a flavourful and nutritious dish that pairs well with raita or a simple curry.

How To Make

Cook basmati rice and set aside. In a pan, heat oil and sauté cumin seeds, chopped onions, green peas, and diced carrots until tender. Stir in the cooked rice and add mashed avocado, mixing gently until well combined. Add salt and garam masala to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Avocado pulao is a delightful and nutritious variation of the traditional rice dish. The avocado adds a creamy texture and richness, while the vegetables provide a burst of flavour and nutrients.

10. Avocado Lassi

Lassi is a popular Indian yoghurt-based drink that is usually sweetened or flavoured with fruits. Avocado lassi is a unique and creamy variation that combines the richness of avocados with the tanginess of yoghurt, creating a refreshing and nutritious beverage.

How To Make

Blend ripe avocados with yoghurt, a bit of milk, honey, or sugar, and a pinch of cardamom until smooth. Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey. Serve chilled.

Avocado lassi is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy the health benefits of avocados. It’s a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed as a snack or a light dessert, providing a creamy and nutritious treat.

Embrace the versatility of avocados and transform your dishes into flavourful and nutritious creations that celebrate the best of Indian and global cuisine.