I have been wanting to collaborate with someone in the Tiny Kitchen for a while, so I was thrilled when I met Marie Plantoinette. She’s got a great perspective on cooking focusing on plant-based recipes which is completely different than what I traditionally do on Tiny Kitchen Big Taste. I was especially thrilled (and impressed) when she tackled a vegan version of my Honey Crunch Mac + Cheese. Check out her video HERE! Who knew you could make a creamy cheese sauce with cashews? Pretty darn cool, eh!?!
When we were collaborating about what recipe we should make, Marie suggested we make Gordon Ramsay’s Avocado on Toast with a Twist. It could not be a more perfect pick for Tiny Kitchen Big Taste. It’s simple, straightforward and perfect for when you’re cooking for one or two people. Plus, it’s amazing!
Avocado Toasts are all the rage these days and I’ve seen them done dozens of ways. So, really, what makes one better than another? Well…I can’t answer that…but I can tell you exactly why Gordon Ramsay’s recipe moves to the head of the pack in my opinion.
First, it has to do with how you toast the bread. Most of us think “toaster” when we think about making toast. And that’s fine. A few of us might think “toaster oven” and toasting the bread under the broilers. And that’s fine, too. Both ways are good, but until you’ve experienced grilled sourdough bread on a cast iron grill pan, you have not lived. Literally, life will not be the same…when measuring years, BC will now stand for Before Cast Iron Grill Pan. 😉 It really is that good! I joked in the notes of this video on my YouTube channel that I have made this recipe 26 times in the past month. THIS. IS. NO. JOKE. Literally, I cannot get enough of cast iron grilled sourdough bread. Top it with avocado and I am in Heaven!
There is something about the char that the pan gives that adds a whole new level of flavor to sourdough bread.
While you can make toast another way, my advice for you is to invest in a cast iron grill pan if you don’t already have one. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Since shooting the video for this recipe, I have made cast iron grilled toast for folks young and old, and I can’t tell you how many times I have received compliments on how good it tastes.
Second, I think the black sesame seeds bring a unique flavor that you just don’t expect. Not only do they add a little added crunch, but also they have a great rich, nutty, smoky flavor. I picked up my black sesame seeds on my last trip to Egypt, but you can get them anywhere these days. Check the link in the recipe below in case you’re having a hard time finding them locally.
Third, this recipe is all about balance. The lemon accentuates the flavor of the avocado perfectly. Plus, the heat of the red pepper flakes balances nicely with the rich, creamy avocado, who’s higher fat content helps to cool the slight burn of the red pepper. Yes, I said fat. But…avocados are high in monounsaturated fat, which is the beneficial fat that can help lower bad cholesterol. So, you can feel free to eat it in moderation without the guilt.
Not only that, according to WebMD, avocados offer nearly 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving, including potassium (which helps control blood pressure), lutein (which is good for your eyes), and folate (which is crucial for cell repair and during pregnancy). They are a good source of B vitamins (which help you fight off disease and infection) and also give you vitamins C and E, plus natural plant chemicals that may help prevent cancer. Even more, avocados, which are a fruit, are low in sugar and they contain fiber, which helps you feel full longer.
This means these Avocado Toasts are perfect to kick off your day. You will not be wanting for something else to fill you up and they’ll sustain you right up until lunch, no problem!
Marie and I had so much fun together making this recipe and I know I can speak for her when I say that we’re both super excited for you to try this recipe! Be sure to share your experiences in making it and let us know what you think! And if you have a suggestion for the next recipe we should collaborate on, please comment below!
Thanks so much for watching and if you haven’t had an opportunity to subscribe to our channels, I hope you will! Here are the links:
Avocado on Toast with a Twist
Ingredients
SO WHAT YOU'RE GONNA NEED IS:
For Two Toasts:
- 1 Avocado
- 1 loaf Sourdough Bread
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Black Sesame Seeds
- To taste Salt
- To taste Red Pepper Flakes
YOU'LL ALSO NEED:
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, add the zest of one lemon. (Note: I usually use on large lemon per two toasts, but adjust more or less to taste.)
- Add Black Sesame Seeds, Red Pepper Flakes and Salt. Mix.
- Cut Sourdough Bread into one inch slices.
- Generously drizzle with olive oil on both sides of bread. Salt both sides. Then rub bread into the cutting board to evenly distribute the olive oil and salt.
- Preferably in a grill pan (it does make a difference) over medium heat, toast bread on both sides until toasted with grill marks.
- Peel and slice avocados and evenly distribute on toast.
- Top with Lemon, Sesame Seed and Red Pepper Flake mixture.
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