Avocado and cheese toast

Avocado and Feta Cheese Toasts - a Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Are you dreaming of a quick, flavorful, and healthy snack? Avocado and feta cheese toasts are the perfect choice! The creamy combination of avocado with salty feta cheese, plus a fresh touch of tomatoes and olives, will delight any taste buds. These toasts are ideal for an energizing breakfast, a light lunch, or a delicious appetizer for a party.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of avocado toasts is fascinating. Avocado has been cherished for thousands of years, and its popularity has significantly increased in recent decades, recognized as a superfood due to its rich content of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Feta cheese, on the other hand, adds a salty and creamy note, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the avocado.

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 12 pitted green olives
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 large tomatoes or 8 smaller ones (choose seasonal tomatoes for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 slices of dark bread (a semi-whole grain bread adds a special flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the avocado: Cut each avocado in half, remove the pits, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Place the flesh in a large bowl. Add lemon juice to prevent the avocado from oxidizing (this is an essential technique to keep the vibrant green color).

2. Mashing and mixing: Use a fork to mash the avocado flesh until it becomes a creamy paste. It doesn't need to be perfectly smooth; a little texture adds a special charm.

3. Adding the ingredients: Crumble the feta cheese with a fork and add it to the avocado. Then, chop the green olives and add them to the bowl. Finely chop the garlic cloves and add them as well. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined.

4. Preparing the bread: Toast the slices of dark bread in a dry pan or on a grill until golden and crispy. The toasted bread will provide a pleasant contrast to the avocado cream.

5. Assembling the toasts: Generously spread the avocado and feta cream on the toasted bread slices. Top with halves of tomatoes (if using large tomatoes, you can cut them into quarters) and sprinkle a bit of freshly ground pepper for an extra flavor boost.

6. Serving: The toasts are delicious right after preparation, but you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld better.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the avocados are ripe but firm (buy them a few days in advance to allow them to ripen). Look for avocados with a dark green skin that yield slightly when pressed.
- If you don't have feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier version.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add some fresh basil or cilantro leaves to the avocado cream.
- If you like spicy toasts, add some chili flakes or a hot sauce.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 300 kcal
- Fats: 20 g (of which healthy fats)
- Proteins: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen avocado?
Although not recommended, you can use frozen avocado in smoothies or soups, but the toasts will be much better with fresh avocado.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with different types of cheese or add crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.

3. What drinks pair well with the toasts?
These toasts pair wonderfully with fresh tomato juice or a green smoothie. Additionally, a dry white wine can enhance the flavors.

These avocado and feta cheese toasts are not only delicious but also an excellent source of nutrients. Whether you serve them at a family meal or at a gathering with friends, they are sure to impress! Enjoy every bite and don't forget to experiment with the ingredients to make them truly your own. Enjoy your meal!