Guacamole or Avocado Pico de Gallo

I love avocado.  I will eat it on sandwiches, alone, or in any sort of Mexican style food item.  I’m a big fan of guacamole, and if I have fresh tomatoes on hand, I also like to make an avocado pico de gallo.  The biggest difference between the two is the amount of tomatoes and how much you want to puree the item.  I always use haas avocado, but that’s a matter of taste. If you haven’t made your own, but have had guacamole out, chances are it was made with haas avocados.

For either one, you’ll want: 

2 avocado
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 – 1 jalapeno (dependent on heat)
1 cup freshly chopped cilantro
1 t. cumin
1 onion diced
2 limes juiced

For the pico de gallo, you’ll also want 2 large tomatoes, diced.

If making guacamole, add all items except tomatoes to a food processor or blender and pulse until just mashed.  Add salt and pepper to taste and adjust seasoning.  If making pico de gallo, add all items (including tomatoes) and stir.  Either way, chill tightly covered until time to serve.

Tabbouleh – Yum, Bulgur!

1 C. bulgur wheat
3 bunches flat parsley, minced
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 large bunch scallions, chopped
1 1/2 lemons, juiced
1/2 C. olive oil
salt and pepper

Rinse wheat in hot water and let it sit in water and soak for 15 minutes.  Drain and add remainder of ingredients and then chill overnight.  Sometimes I reduce the parsley a little, if it’s for younger folks, because they tend to prefer more grain and less green.  This is excellent served with warmed pitas and hummus.

Roasted Asparagus with Sesame Peanut Sauce

1 lb. thin asparagus
1 Tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp of ginger, minced
1 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
1 tsp soy sauce (use wheat-free tamari for gluten-free)
1/4 tsp hot chili oil (if desired)
sea salt
water

Remove and discard bottom inch of asparagus stalk. Drizzle asparagus with oil, and sprinkle with garlic. Toss well so that all stalks are completely covered with oil, and then spread out on a baking sheet. Roast at 450, stirring asparagus occasionally, until it starts to brown (about 15 min). Mix remaining ingredients well, and add enough water so that it becomes pourable (I added about 2 Tbsp). Place asparagus on serving dish and drizzle with sauce.