With avocados at their peak freshness, try this simple, affordable surprise avocado starter tonight. As a home cook who's perfected budget-friendly dishes over years, this original appetizer delights crowds with minimal effort and cost.
For 4 servings, you'll need:
1. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds to peel easily, then dice into small cubes.
In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Add tomatoes, toss to coat, and marinate for 1 hour to infuse flavors.
2. Halve avocados lengthwise, scoop out flesh (reserve shells for serving), and mash with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Fold avocado purée into marinated tomatoes. Spoon mixture back into avocado shells.
This quick, wallet-friendly starter shines as an evening opener. For extra flair, I've added 2-3 peeled shrimp or surimi slices when available. Drizzle leftover marinade for garnish.
This versatile recipe adapts effortlessly – serve in small verrines for 6-7 as an aperitif. At under €2 per person, it's far cheaper than €4-5 store-bought tapas or cheese platters.
Experiment with variations to suit your taste. Share your avocado creations in the comments – I'd love to hear them!