I must admit, I was always quite a picky child. I was the type of child who never tried anything new, and if I went out to eat in a restaurant I’d only ever choose the safe option: chips. It meant I didn’t really experiment much until I became an adult.
This isn’t an easy question to answer, for anyone. I’ve eaten many different types of meals over the years, tried many new things since entering adulthood. Trying to pick one “most delicious” food or meal is practically impossible. However, one particular thing stands out to me.
When I went on holidays on my own for the first time, I had the pleasure of trying avocado for the first time. Before that moment – it was during a “anniversary” giveaway from a Mexican restaurant and featured on the burrito I chose – I considered avocado to be something disgusting. To my mind, it looked like thick, green snot. That may have something to do with the fact my grandparents on my mother’s side had a avocado tree near their driveway, and to say it was a healthy tree would be a massive understatement. My brother and I used to throw them at each other, and crow in delight when one of us got hit by the gross, green mush.
However, in that moment I realised I’d been missing out, because it tasted amazing. The day after I tried it for the first time, I went to a cafe and had the most delicious meal I’ve ever had: smashed avo on ciabatta.
Now, I’m not a fancy person. Even though I’m not as picky, I like relatively simple meals that have flavour. It’s not the amount of ingredients or how expensive it is that makes a meal good, but the sweet satisfaction of food that warms your heart and spirit. And smashed avo did that for me. It was simple, but amazing. And I just had to try and replicate it. It’s my ultimate go-to meal, and probably the most delicious thing I’m able to make.
My smashed avo isn’t fancy. I don’t use anything like bacon – I don’t eat meat anymore, and even when I did, I didn’t enjoy the taste and texture of bacon – or salmon, though I know many do. I use simple ingredients, for a simple yet delicious meal.
So what do I use?
The avocado is the star of the dish, as it always is. Once cut open and the pit removed, the amazing green goodness is scooped out and placed in a bowl. I always include a splash of lemon juice and a touch of garlic powder, to give some zing. Sometimes I’ll add some diced onion, too, but it’s not necessary.
The bread to use is focaccia, in my opinion. When I first made this, I splurged and got a cheese and chives focaccia, but with the cost of living being what it is, I don’t get that too often anymore. It should be toasted, or put in the oven for at least ten minutes. Once it’s done, all you need to do is to put it together!
Now, I’m a bit particular of how I order my food. It’s a quirk of mine. First layer on the bread is the cream cheese. Nice and thick; I love my cheese. Then the smashed avo gets scooped up and smeared on top.
I like it simple so I often leave it at that. Sometimes, I’ll cook an egg too to go on top of that. When I do, I often cook it so that the yolk is still a bit runny. But that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Other things I’ve experimented with is Spanish onions, tomato, spinach…halloumi is another favourite of mine, and having it with cream cheese is so good – but not something I can do often (thank you, allergies and sinus!). You could add bacon, too, or pancetta – or any meat, really.
But in my opinion, simple is better. Sometimes you just want a delicious, simple meal – and smashed avo is that, for any time of the day. And while it is simple, it’s a delicacy. Whether you do it at home or get it from a cafe, it’s always a winner – and something I consider to be one of the most delicious foods I’ve ever eaten.
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