True story: I cut into an avocado that I thought was ready to be mashed onto toast, but it wasn’t. Usually I’m better than this. I struggled with what to do. I knew that if I put it back into the fridge, it wouldn’t ever reach its max potential, as it had already been exposed to the elements. I struggled for a bit. But then…an idea. It was too firm to each raw, so cook it. But how?! Croutons.
Not sure where this idea came from, but I’m grateful for it. Avocado croutons are my new regular croutons.
If you are tired of waiting for your avo to soften, make croutons! Or, if you just want croutons, make croutons!
All you will need is an unripe avocado, some Panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, an egg and some salt and pepper to season.
Tip: When dicing your avocado, cut it in half, lengthwise and remove the pit by tapping it carefully with the sharp blade of your knife. Twist and it should pop right out. Place the avocado on your cutting board, cut side down and peel the skin off with your fingers. This will make it easier to achieve equal cubes when cutting! I suggest 9-12 cubes per half.
Tip #2: Season at every step. Season the avocado directly, season the breadcrumbs and season the croutons after they come out of the pan. Avocados are pretty bland, so adding salt turns up the flavour.
When life gives you avocados, make croutons.
Avocado Croutons
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 unripe avocado (look for mostly darker skin with a few firm, green areas still), pit removed, skin off and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 9-12 cubes per half)
- salt
- pepper
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- olive oil
Instructions:
- Set up your breading stations – have one bowl for the corn starch, the next bowl with the beaten egg and the final bowl with the Panko, mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.
- Sprinkle your diced avocado with a pinch of salt and pepper and then toss carefully in the cornstarch. Ensure all sides have a light coating of cornstarch on them and then place into the egg and then into the Panko. Make sure all sides of the avocado are coated in the breadcrumbs.
- Add enough olive oil to generously coat the bottom of a large pan. Turn heat to medium-high, and when oil is hot, carefully drop each avocado piece into the oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds-1 minute per side, or until browned. Make sure you turn the avocado to cook each side.
- Remove from pan and drain the croutons on paper towels.
Eat with your favourite salad, or on their own with your favourite creamy dipping sauce (like, ranch or chipotle mayo)!