Food Recipe by Suchandra Ganguly

A Taste of Travel: Creamy Guacamole Recipe:

Being a travel enthusiast and foodie, I’ve been blessed to sample new tastes and ingredients from various places. Among the most memorable food experiences was while visiting Kandy, Sri Lanka. After exploring the local markets, I came across an exciting fruit stand packed with avocados. I was shocked to find them in plenty, and at a unbelievable price tag of just 25 rupees per piece! It felt like discovering a treasure casket of creamy goodness. The experience brought back memories of the versatility of avocados and prompted me to pass on one of my favorite recipes to you – a tasty and refreshing guacamole.

If you’re already going, “Guacamole? Sounds posh!” here’s the thing, it’s not much different from our beloved bharta of Bengal. But where eggplant or tomato takes center stage, this bideshi bharta uses avocados! And you know what, you’ll find it even tastier as a dip or spread served with toasts, tortilla chips, or even with veggies. It’s a surprise!

Guacamole Recipe:

Ingredients:

– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped finely(only if available)
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados in half, and take out the pit. Scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
2. Place the chopped red onion, jalapeño pepper (optional) lime juice, and garlic in the bowl.
3. Mash the ingredients together using a fork until you achieve the consistency you like. There are those who prefer their guacamole smooth while others like it chunky.
4. Add pepper and salt to taste.
5. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro (dhonepata will also be fine) leaves and serve with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a vegetable dip of your choice.

The Avocado Advantage:

Avocados are a nutritional powerhouse full of healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avocados are also very versatile with a creamy texture and nutty taste that complements a great array of ingredients. With the guacamole recipe here, the velvety smoothness of the avocado is contrasted by the lime juice’s tanginess and red onion’s crunch.

So, go ahead and try this bideshi bharta! Your taste buds will appreciate it, and who knows, you may just turn into an avocado convert like me.