Avocado

Avocado or "Butter fruit" as it's commonly called in India,is a fruit that is native to South America. It is not very popular as a fruit, as it has "no taste" or is basically "bland",although the "Butter fruit milkshake" is quite popular at the juice bars in Bangalore.
However,not many people know the health benefits of Avocados. This fruit has a higher fat content than most other fruits,but since the fat it contains is mainly monounsaturated fat(MUFA),they are actually good for health.They are also packed with fiber,folate and heart-healthy anti-oxidants like vitamin C and E.
So,how does one eat a fruit that really has no taste-simple,use it as a spread on toast/sandwiches (instead of butter/mayonnaise) by mashing the fruit,adding a little lime,salt and pepper. Another popular dish(the one I had served at my son Aditya's birthday bash) is the "Avocado Dip" or "Guacamole" as it's popularly called. I learnt it from my hubby's aunt (Anita athya) when we had gone to their place at Rockville,MD during the Christmas vacation. Thanks athya for teaching me another "Healthy recipe".
Avocado Dip/Guacamole:
Ingredients:

• Avocados:2-3 ripe
  
• Red onion: 1/2(finely diced)
• Tomatoes:3 nos.(finely chopped)
• Cilantro/Coriander leaves: 3 tablespoons(finely chopped)
• Lime juice:1 teaspoon
  
• Green chillies:1-2(finely chopped)
• Pepper:1/4 teaspoon,freshly ground
• Salt: to taste

Method:

1. Cut the avocados into half,remove the seed and scoop out the pulp.
2. Mash the pulp using either a masher or a fork.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
4. Serve along with baked tortilla chips or roasted plain papads.

So,the next time you have a party,serve something healthy which also happens to be tasty!